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India in Australia
India in Australia
The reticent Hanuma Vihari has slowly but surely cemented his place in the
Indian Test team and is confident of contributing to the team’s cause, saying he is
well-equipped to execute plans in the traditional format.
Vihari scored a hundred and also got a wicket with his part-time off-breaks against
Australia A in the pink ball warm-up game. He looks set to bat at number six in the
first Day/Night Test at Adelaide.
“In 2018, it was my second overseas tour (after England) and it was a good
challenge for me back then. Although I contributed a little (back then), I feel I am
more well equipped with my game and pretty sure with my gameplan as well and
looking forward to the Test series,” Vihari said after the end of the warm-up tie.
While he will be batting at number six in the Test match, during the warm-up game,
he did get a chance to bat at number 4 and 5 along with seasoned pros like
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
“At number four, I always feel you have more time than you think. In domestic
cricket, I have always batted number three, so I am a bit familiar batting up the
order,” he said.
“Obviously, batting with Pooji (Pujara’s nickname) is completely different. We always
have a good communication and he tells me what the bowler is trying to do,” he
observed.
His assessment of Rahane is that the Mumbaikar is more flamboyant and has a
good grip on game situations.
“Batting with Ajinkya, he is more flamboyant and he has also got a good sense of
game situation.
“....but coming to bat at number six is a total different game situation. You have to
bat with the keeper or an all-rounder or the bowlers. I enjoy batting at both
position and it’s about what the team needs,” he said.
Having been in Australia for a month along with two first-class matches under their
belt, Vihari said the players are now well-prepared to tackle the pace and bounce of
Australian tracks.