BGT 2024-25: Indian Pacers Train Hard for Boxing Day Test in Melbourne

Melbourne, Dec 21 (NationPress) Indian bowlers, spearheaded by pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, underwent a rigorous bowling practice session in preparation for the Boxing Day Test against Australia this Saturday.

The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is currently tied at 1-1, following the rain-affected third Test that concluded in a draw at the Gabba in Brisbane. India commenced their tour on a strong note with an impressive 295-run victory in the series opener in Perth. However, they stumbled during the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, experiencing a heavy 10-wicket defeat, thus losing their initial advantage.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to social media to share a video showcasing the Indian bowlers diligently working in the nets as they prepare for the fourth Test of the series. The BCCI captioned the video: “There is no substitute for hard work. The relentless effort behind the scenes translates into success on the field. The Indian bowlers are ticking every box as we get ready for the Boxing Day Test.”

In the video, Bumrah, Siraj, Akash, Harshit Rana, and Yash Dayal were observed putting in the hard yards in the nets under the watchful gaze of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja were also seen honing their skills ahead of this crucial match.

Bumrah, who captained the team in the first Test in Perth, is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series with 21 wickets, but he has not received adequate support from his fellow bowlers. The second bowler on the list, Mitchell Starc, trails Bumrah by seven wickets, while Australia’s captain Pat Cummins stands third with 14 wickets, tied with Starc.

Siraj ranks fourth with 13 wickets across six innings, while Harshit and Akash have claimed four and three wickets, respectively.

On the batting side, the underwhelming performances of senior players Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma present significant concerns for the Indian team as they approach the crucial stages of the series. Kohli, who scored a century in the second innings at Perth, has struggled with low scores of 7, 11, and 3 in the subsequent three innings. Meanwhile, Rohit, who has moved down to the middle order, has managed only 19 runs in his last two Tests. The Indian captain missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child and rejoined the team for the second Test in Adelaide.

On a positive note, K.L. Rahul is in fine form at the top of the order, while Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to regain his touch after scoring 161 runs in the second innings of the opening Test.

Additionally, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant need to rise to the occasion and aim for substantial scores in the upcoming two Tests to bolster India's case for the World Test Championship final.

The fourth Test between India and Australia is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting December 26.