Melbourne: Team India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Tuesday admitted that his team will miss fast bowler Ishant Sharma, but did not answer questions regarding team combination in the day-night Test against Australia starting on Thursday. After captain Virat Kohli's return to India on paternity leave after the first Test, captaining Rahane in the remaining three Tests is considered almost certain. He also discussed the challenge faced by bowlers with increased speed of the pink ball.
Rahane said in a virtual press conference, 'We have a strong attack, but we will miss Ishant. He is the senior-most fast bowler. Ishant was injured in the rib during the IPL. Rahane, however, expressed confidence that the fast bowlers under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami would do well in Ishant's absence. He said, 'Umesh, Saini, Siraj, Bumrah and Shami are all good bowlers and they have a lot of experience. They know how to bowl.'
Rahane said, 'This is the new series, which will start with the pink ball. It is important to get the rhythm. I believe our bowlers can take 20 wickets.' When asked about the opening pair, Rahane said that decision in this regard will be taken on the eve of the match. India has options in the form of Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. At the same time, there are two options in the form of Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha for wicketkeeping.
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