WACA match simulation leads to KL Rahul injury scare as India batters have an underwhelming day in trying conditions.
WACA seen the first day of match simulation for the Indian side in conditions that will be similar to the Optus, the venue of the first test.
Virat Kohli dismissed concerns about his fitness. But was one of several batsmen caught behind the wicket in an intra-squad match simulation at the WACA. KL Rahul exited the pitch after being hit on the elbow in an injury concern prior to the first Test.
A week prior to the series start at Optus, India intensified their preparations after three days at the WACA nets. They fielded an XI that included key players in the middle against a team primarily composed of their peripheral players.
Rahul opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal. This is a sign that he is expected to open if Rohit Sharma is unable to play the opening Test.
Before being hit by a rising delivery from fast Prasidh Krishna on his right elbow, Rahul seemed to be in fluid touch and managing short bowling well. He grimaced after the blow and trudged off the ground after getting help.
Through a simulation that lasted two and a half hours before lunch. Jaiswal began boldly with a defiant whack through the covers. But on the fifteenth, he nicked off to second slip in what would become a regular sight.
Kohli appeared in excellent form and made a few stunning strokes through the covers amid rumours that he had recently had scans. However, on 15, he gave seamer Mukesh Kumar a second slip before he was in the adjacent nets for about half an hour.
Compared to Sheffield Shield matches this season. The WACA surface has had significantly less bounce and carry thus far in this simulation. However, there was some movement off a length, and the Indian hitters didn’t seem very good.
Early in his innings, Rishabh Pant, who had occasionally had trouble with the short ball during his net sessions earlier in the week, blazed a boundary through the off-side. But he appeared disturbed after taking a hit to the groin. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was outstanding after later dismissing Dhruv Jurel in the slips, bowled him clean with a fast delivery.
Third During his two hours at the crease, Shubman Gill struggled to obtain the strike after starting slowly. He began to appear more at ease when on the 28th. He was fended off a brief delivery from a swift Navdeep Saini, who joyfully celebrated.
As the batting side reached the half at 106 for 5 after 28 overs. Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian bowled in unison, providing the rare sight of spin from both ends at the WACA.