India starter Rohit Sharma has recovered from a hamstring injury and will join the Indian team in Melbourne on Wednesday after completing his quarantine in Sydney, but it is not yet clear whether Rohit will be included in the XI of game for the third test against Australia. The third test is scheduled to begin on January 7.
There is much speculation that the third test would move to Melbourne due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation in Sydney.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, India’s head coach Ravi Shastri said the team’s management will speak to Rohit about his fitness before making a final decision on his availability for the third test.
“Rohit joins the team tomorrow. We will have a chat with him to see where he is physically located because he has been in quarantine for a couple of weeks. We will have to see how he feels now before taking the call,” Shastri said. .
Meanwhile, India captain Ajinkya Rahane said Tuesday that the India team is excited to welcome starter Rohit Sharma to the team for Test 3 against Australia.
Rahane led India from the front when the visitors defeated Australia by 8 wickets in the second round at MCG. With this victory, India drew 1-1 in the 4-game series and took revenge for the defeat in Adelaide in the first test.
Rohit missed the first two tests due to a hamstring injury suffered during the Indian Premier League. Earlier this month, Rohit passed the fitness test and arrived in Australia a few days before the 2nd test. However, he was not allowed to play 2nd Test at MCG due to Australian government quarantine rules.
India used Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill as starters in the Boxing Day test. While Gill hit superbly, Mayank failed to shine at the MCG. With Prithvi Shaw missing the bat in the first Test in Adelaide, Rohit is expected to return to play XI.
“We are excited about Rohit’s return. I spoke to him yesterday, he is looking forward to joining the team,” Rahane said.
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