Rohit Sharma.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Melbourne: The Indian players held their final practice session, ahead of the Boxing Day Test with the entire squad taking part in the proceedings. All the first-choice batters had lengthy hits at the "nets" on fresh wickets as opposed to used and worn out pitches in their first two practice sessions.
"I think they were used for big-bash. And today is the only day where we are going to get the other side of it, which will be fresher wickets. So we will go and see how they are and we will train accordingly," said skipper Rohit Sharma.
Rohit, who took a hit on his knee and discontinued his batting on Sunday, batted with no discomfort on the day, allaying any injury concerns. He faced all sets of bowlers, including throwdowns.
The captain, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir and his deputy Jasprit Bumrah, had a long studied look at the MCG pitch for the fourth Test and held a parley among themselves beside the pitch which still wore a generous greenish look.
Given the heat wave on Thursday, the opening day of the Test, the pitch may bake early and bring spinners into play. Rohit was asked if he is inclined to play two spinners in the match.
"I had a look at the pitch the day before and it had quite a bit of grass covering. And we are certainly considering the weather factor and all of that. We will see what is the best (combination). I have not seen the wicket today, but whatever we have to do to make the best possible 11 in these conditions, we will try and do that, whether it is playing an extra spinner or not."
India had scheduled their practice sessions on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday with Wednesday being an optional practice day.