India’s Test captain, Rohit Sharma, will join the Indian team in Australia on November 24 and is set to play in the two-day pink-ball tour game at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, starting November 30. This match, ahead of the Adelaide Test, will serve as crucial preparation for the Indian side, with Sharma aiming to get match-ready for the day-night Test series.
Sharma missed the first Test in Perth as he stayed back in India to be with his family for the birth of his second child. In his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team during the opening match against Australia at the Optus Stadium. Bumrah spoke about his role in the lead-up to the first Test, mentioning that he gained clarity on leadership after reaching Australia.
Rohit’s return is a significant boost for India, who have relied on fringe players for the series opener in Perth. The two-day practice game against the Prime Minister’s XI could offer valuable experience for both Sharma and the team, with Australia expected to field a mix of international players and Test prospects.
This match will also be vital for Sharma’s form, as he has struggled in recent outings, managing only 91 runs in six innings during India’s recent home series against New Zealand.
The India-Australia Test series will feature a day-night Test in Adelaide, a venue where India previously faced challenges, including a historic collapse for just 36 runs in their second innings during the 2021 series. However, India bounced back strongly to win the series 2-1.
Sharma will hope the upcoming match in Canberra helps him regain his rhythm ahead of the key Tests in Adelaide and beyond.
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