Hanuma Vihari, an Indian all-rounder, said both wicket-keepers Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant are in good form and it will be a tough call for the team management to decide on who will don the wicketkeeping gloves in the first Test against Australia which will be a day-night affair at Adelaide.
Wriddhiman Saha scored two ducks but also scored a half-century in the two practice games while Rishabh Pant made amends of falling cheaply in the first innings by scoring a counter-attacking century in 2nd practice game.
Hanuma Vihari : Wicket-keeping Selection Depends On Team Management
Hanuma Vihari’s comments that there is tough competition in the team came after the completion of India’s three-day day-night practice game against Australia A which ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday.
“Healthy competition is always good for the team and I feel, for every spot, we have good competition. It all depends on team management as to whom they decide to pick. I feel both of them are looking in good form so it will be a tough call and a good headache,” Vihari said while answering an ANI query in the virtual post-match press conference.
Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari played unbeaten knocks of 103 and 104 respectively during the second innings as India put up a daunting total of 386/4 before declaring the innings.
Wriddhiman Saha did not bat in the second innings and was dismissed without scoring in the first innings. However, in the previous practice game at the Drummoyne Oval, he had scored an unbeaten 54 runs in the second innings which saved India from jaws of defeat against Australia A.
Hanuma Vihari Thinks He Is Bowling Decently And Getting A Wicket Is a Bonus
Apart from hitting a century, Hanuma Vihari also bowled seven overs during Australia A’s second innings and picked the wicket of Alex Carey (58).
Reflecting on his bowling performance, Vihari said: “I think I am bowling decently. Ajinkya asked me to bowl and I was happy to do it. I think I did pretty well and getting a wicket is a bonus.”
Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj bagged early wickets in the first session to put visitors on top on the final day. However, Ben McDermott and Jack Wildermuth smashed tons to end India’s chances as the match ended in a draw. Australia A scored 108 and 307/4 while India scored 194 and 386/4 declared.
The first Test of the four-match series between India and Australia will commence on Thursday 17th December in Adelaide and will be a day-night affair. Australia have won all of their 7-day night tests while India have played and won a solitary day-night test against Bangladesh at Kolkata. This will be India’s first overseas day-night test.