India vs Australia 2nd Test Highlights: Rohit reveals openers for D-N Test; Boland in for Aussies
In the press conference on the eve of the IND vs AUS 2nd Test, Rohit Sharma informs that he will bat somewhere in the middle order and KL Rahul will continue as opener
 "Rohit Sharma")
Rohit Sharma
The Indian cricket team aims to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match Test series against Australia, which is also known as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when the two teams meet on Friday for a Day-Night Test at Adelaide Oval. On the eve of the India vs. Australia 2nd Test, Rohit Sharma addressed the media persons in Adelaide.
This was Rohit Sharma's first press conference after being white-washed at home. Jasprit Bumrah led the team in the first Test as Rohit was on paternity break.
India skipper Rohit Sharma said he will bat "somewhere in the middle-order" in the day/night Test against Australia starting here on Friday, allowing K L Rahul to continue in the opening slot.
Rahul looked solid with scores of 26 and 77 as he and centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal combined for a 201-run opening stand during the second innings of the first Test in Perth, which India won by 295 runs.
"KL will open the innings and I will play somewhere in the middle. Not easy for me but it's the best for the team," Rohit told reporters on the eve of the second Test.
Rohit is returning to the side after a short paternity break for the birth of his son.
A parallel journey Down Under
KL Rahul sees a younger version of himself in 22-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal. On his maiden tour to Australia, Jaiswal’s current circumstances mirror Rahul’s own experiences during his first trip Down Under a decade ago.
Back in the 2014-15 series, a young Rahul debuted at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) at No. 6, managing just 3 and 1 in his two innings. Yet, what followed in Sydney was nothing short of redemption: a scintillating 110 as an opener in only his second match. It was a coming-of-age performance that announced Rahul’s arrival on the big stage.
The hour that eased nerves
Despite his success in Sydney, Rahul faced his share of nerves. In the second innings of that match, where he scored 16, a crucial hour-long partnership with then senior opener Murali Vijay became a moment of learning and comfort. That time in the middle, under Vijay’s watchful eye, helped Rahul find his footing and confidence.
"That innings of 16 may not appear significant on paper, but the time I spent with Vijay bhai was invaluable. It calmed my nerves," Rahul had once remarked.
Playing mentor to Jaiswal
Fast forward to 2024, Rahul is now in Vijay’s shoes, offering guidance to Jaiswal. The duo’s camaraderie shone brightly in Perth, where they stitched together a record-breaking Indian opening partnership of 201 in the second innings. While Jaiswal dazzled with a classy century, Rahul’s steady 77 laid the foundation.
"I saw shades of myself in him – how I was 10 years ago, opening the batting for the first time," Rahul admitted. “The doubts, the nerves, the self-questioning—it’s all a part of the process. The best you can do is slow things down, take a few deep breaths, and trust your game.”
The next pin-up boy of Indian cricket
Jaiswal’s century in Perth has already garnered accolades, positioning him as Indian cricket’s next rising star. Rahul’s mentorship is proving instrumental in helping Jaiswal navigate this pivotal phase. Just as Vijay’s presence had steadied him a decade ago, Rahul is now ensuring that Jaiswal steps forward with clarity and confidence.
"It’s a beautiful feeling to see someone as talented as Jaiswal take his first steps in international cricket," Rahul added. “I only hope I can guide him as well as I was guided back then."
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Pat Cummins press conference LIVE UPDATES: On India's brilliant run in Australia
Cummins said that India have played a lot of cricket against Australia at home and away making him not so forign of the Aussie conditions and that might be the reason behind thier dominant run on Australian soil.
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Pat Cummins press conference LIVE UPDATES: Strac will be the key
Cummin said that Mitchell Strac has great record with pink ball and he also has the form with him and that the later can easily be the Game changer in Adelaide.
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Pat Cummins press conference LIVE UPDATES: On loss in Peth
Cummins said that loss at Perth made us think about our approach with both bat and ball before the second Test. He furher added that more batting than bowling.
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Pat Cummins press conference LIVE UPDATES: Marnus' form concerns
Pat Cummins said that Marnus Labuschagne is not botherd with his form and is actually confident of scoring a century in the second Test.
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Pat Cummins press conference LIVE UPDATES: On internal disputes
Australian skipper after being asked about the reported internal dispute between the team siad that the reports are wrong and everything is all good in the dressing room.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Approach of young generation
Rohit also opened on the attacking approach of young players like Jaiswal, Gill and Pant. He said this new generation only wants to win match rather than thier own milestone which makes them fearless and game changer for the team.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Rohit on Washington Sundar
Rohit said that player's like Washington Sundar are valuable for the team, his career took a dip after injuries but hopefully if he can avoind any more injury in the future, he will becomne one of biggest match winners for the team.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Rohit on dropping Ashwin and Jadeja
Rohit in the pc mentioned that dropping match winners like Ashwin and Jadeja is always tough but sometime we need to take tough decisions to adapt to conditions. However, they should not be counted out as they can easily provide another big performance whenever team needs.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Not fixing what's not broken
On opting to bat in middle to allow Rahul to open, Rohit said that they have a good momentum on thier side and at the end of the day result is important and they can give us that no problem for him to bat down the order.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Ready for Pink ball
Rohit said that the team has good three days practice with the pink ball and are ready for the challenge.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Rahul as opener confirmed by skipper
Rohit Sharma confirmed that KL Rahul will open the innings with Yashasvi and he will bat somewhere in the middle order.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Captain on batting in middle order
"It was a practice game. Not Looking much into it. Just wanted to habve a feel of Pink Ball Test," said Rohit on playing in middle order.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: PC Underway
The pre-match press conference of Rohit Sharma is now underway.
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Rohit Sharma press conference LIVE UPDATES: Kohli back in form
The star Indian batter, Virat Kohli, who holds the record for most Test century in Adelaide ended his dry run with a century in Perth and is now ready to take on the Aussie bowlers at a venue he is very well known with in the second Test.
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India vs Australia 2nd Test Preview
Rohit Sharma’s Crucial Return: India’s Leadership Test Against Wounded Australia
India’s strategy for the day-night Test against Australia, starting Friday, could hinge on a bold decision: will Rohit Sharma step back into the side and take the reins, leading from the front in a battle of wits and resilience? With Australia reeling from their defeat in the series opener, India looks poised to capitalise, but the key challenge lies in finding the perfect combination to maintain their momentum.
A Batting Dilemma: Rohit and Shubman Gill’s Return
The biggest headache for the Indian team is the batting order. With Rohit Sharma returning from a brief paternity break and Shubman Gill fit and ready to play, reshuffling the lineup becomes inevitable. It’s a problem any captain would gladly welcome—having too many fit players is far better than being under-strength, as India found themselves in their last tour of Australia, where they defied all odds to clinch an unexpected triumph.
India’s Perfect Start: A Historic Win in Perth
India’s last visit to Australia saw a remarkable comeback following their infamous 36 all-out collapse in Adelaide. This time, however, they stand in a far stronger position, fresh off a dominant performance in Perth that handed Australia their first-ever defeat at Optus Stadium. The series opener was a statement of intent, but the day-night Test will present a new set of challenges.
The Twilight Test: A Unique Challenge for India’s Batting Line-Up
The pink ball adds a new layer of complexity for the Indian batsmen. Known for its extra seam movement, especially under the twilight conditions, it will test the technical prowess of India’s top order. In this unique format, every session counts, and India’s batters must be at their sharpest to negate the conditions that could favour the Australian bowlers.
Australia’s Resilience: Will the Hosts Bounce Back?
Australia, wounded but never defeated, will come into the second Test with something to prove. Having lost only one of their 12 day-night Tests at home, they are formidable at the Gabba under lights. The 10-day break since their defeat in Perth has given them time to regroup, but the pressure to bounce back will be immense. With their pride on the line, Australia’s hunger to make a comeback is palpable.
A Showdown of Giants: India’s Test of Nerve
In this high-stakes contest, India is not just playing for another win but for a chance to drive home their advantage against a wounded Australia. As the twilight hour approaches, the pink ball will reveal which team can adapt best. For India, it’s about more than just playing; it’s about asserting their dominance in Australia once again.
TAP HERE TO READ IND VS AUS FULL PREVIEW
Topics : Shubman Gill Rohit Sharma India vs Australia India cricket team ICC World Test Championship
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First Published: Dec 05 2024 | 10:12 AM IST
