The question around Rohit Sharma's batting position has only grown over the time after India's 10-wicket hammering in Adelaide Test against Australia. Rohit Sharma made a comeback in the second Test in Adelaide after missing the series opener in Perth, but opted to bat in the middle order instead of opening the innings. This decision was made after KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive performance in the first Test. However, the strategy didn't work at all, as India suffered a crushing defeat in Adelaide which left the series levelled at 1-1.
Ricky Ponting wants Rohit Sharma to return to opening spot
Rohit's poor form has been a cause for concern for the Indian team. His recent performances have been underwhelming, with only one half-century in his last few innings. While Rohit is likely to continue batting in the middle order for the time being, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has suggested that he should return to his usual opening position. Ponting believes that reverting to his natural role could help Rohit regain his form. Notably Rohit scored a total of 9 runs, combining both the innings at the Adelaide Oval.
“I felt that if (Rohit) Sharma was coming back into the side, he should have gone straight back up to the top and opened the batting. That's how I felt about it. And I know that KL and Jaiswal had a 200-run partnership in Perth and they had played well, but he's (Rohit) your captain. He's one of your most experienced players," Ponting said during an interaction with Sanjana Ganesan on the ICC Review.
“I felt that if (Rohit) Sharma was coming back into the side, he should have gone straight back up to the top and opened the batting. That's how I felt about it. And I know that KL and Jaiswal had a 200-run partnership in Perth and they had played well, but he's (Rohit) your captain. He's one of your most experienced players," Ponting said during an interaction with Sanjana Ganesan on the ICC Review.
Australia staged a remarkable comeback in the Adelaide Test with a resounding 10-wicket win after suffering a crushing 295-run defeat against India in the series opener in Perth. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently currently tied at 1-1.
Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins have revealed Australia's playing XI for the Gabba Test with a big change in their fold. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who missed the series opener due to injury, will make his way to the final XI replacing Scott Bolland, who impressed with his bowling in Adelaide Test by taking key wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Australia's playing XI for 3rd Test against India:
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood