Lokesh Rahul has a golden chance to score big in what is just his second Test.
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Indian batsmen will look to help themselves to big scores on a pitch that is favourable to their cause. While Australia's first innings total of 572/7 (decl) may still be miles away, Rohit Sharma and Lokesh Rahul will begin proceedings on Day 3 of the final Test. Catch live updates here. (Scorecard)
Rohit (40*) and Rahul (31*) form an unlikely pair to champion India's cause in the Sydney Test. One is an established batsman who is desperate to score big in the series while the other is a youngster who is determined to bury memories of a horrid debut, in what is only his second Test. (Also read: Rohit and Rahul can help India's cause, says Gavaskar )
A day earlier - on Wednesday, Australia scored heavily with centuries and half-centuries coming thick and fast. While Mohammad Shami claimed five of the seven wickets to fall, the Australians showed how simple it can be to bat here as long as patience and skill is brought into play - captain Steve Smith hitting his fourth ton of the series.
What may have helped their cause is also Virat Kohli's 'hapless' captaincy. Aussie greats Michael Clarke and Ian Chappell expressed their surprise at how the young Kohli was marshaling his men on the field. "I don't understand the impatience; one-over spells, that's not giving the bowler a chance at all," Chappell was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. (Read more here )
Kohli though would have a shot at redemption when he steps out to bat. The in-form batsman may still be new to captaincy but batting has been his strength and the tour Down Under has been no different.
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