NEW DELHI: With the first Test of the blockbuster Border-Gavaskar Trophy fast approaching, the Indian team is leaving no stones unturned in preparations and last week had gruelling training session at the WACA in Perth.
Along with training in the nets and the usual drills, the players also featured in simulation matches to prepare themselves for the upcoming marquee series.
The team also had its share of fun moments during the training as on one occasion bowling coach Morne Morkel was seen heaping praise and kissing premier pacer Mohammed Siraj.
As Siraj video-bombed a Morkel chat at one of the training sessions, the India coach was seen involving the pacer in the conversation. He then lauded Siraj’s bowling, ending the praise with a soft kiss on the Siraj’s helmet.
“This man (Siraj) is a legend. He’s got a big heart, aggressive mindset, one of the leaders of the attack and I am very excited to see how he goes in this tour. Last tour, he was the go to man in tough situations and we’re excited to see more of that senior role coming out in him on a very important tour,” said Morkel.
During practice, India suffered a major blow as top-order batter Shubman Gill suffered a fracture while fielding and has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth.
However, the team had some relief as and injured KL Rahul, who was hit on the elbow, made his return to the nets on Sunday and is all set to play the first Test.
Regular skipper Rohit Sharma will be missing the first Test and will join the team ahead of the second game in Adelaide.
