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[Watch] Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah ramp up preparations with a net session ahead of the 2nd 2024-25 BGT Test

Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma was spotted putting in extra work in the nets, with pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah providing him the essential practice ahead of the second (pink-ball) 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test.

Rohit missed the first Test to be with his family following the birth of his son, Ahaan, on November 15, 2024. In his absence, Bumrah stepped up as captain, leading India to a dominant 295-run victory. The pacer led from the front, taking eight wickets in the match.

Meanwhile, Rohit arrived in Australia during the first Test and later took part in the warm-up game against PMXI. He batted in the middle order but had a disappointing outing, being dismissed for three off 11 balls.

As the Mumbai cricketer gears up for the second Test, he was seen honing his skills by facing the ICC Men's World No. 1 Test bowler, Bumrah, in the nets.

Here’s a video of Rohit facing Bumrah in the nets:

The second Test of the 2024-25 BGT is set to begin on Friday, December 6, in Adelaide.


“I think the skipper will bat 5” - Michael Clarke on Rohit Sharma’s batting position

In Rohit Sharma's absence during the first Test, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal played key roles in India's victory, forming a record-breaking 201-run opening partnership in the second innings, the highest by an Indian pair on Australian soil. India kept the same opening pair for the warm-up game against PMXI, with Rohit batting in the middle order.

Since then, questions have arisen about Rohit potentially relinquishing his primary opening spot to maintain continuity at the top. Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke addressed the situation on the 'Around the Wicket' podcast, saying:

"I think he will bat at No. 5 in the Test match. They'll leave KL Rahul up at the top. Shubman Gill looks fit as well; he made some runs, so he will come back in at No. 3. Virat 4, and I think the skipper will bat 5. If he wants to open, he opens; if he wants to bat 5, he'll bat five. He is extremely aggressive, takes on the short ball, dominates spin bowling, and will look to be ultra-aggressive to Nathan Lyon through the middle of the innings.”
"So yeah, if he chooses to bat 5, I can see why It's his role to work out what's best for the team and go with that. In Australian conditions, I can understand if he does bat five, now that KL Rahul looked good in the first Test," Clarke added.

Rohit Sharma has batting averages of 29.13 and 54.58 at numbers 5 and 6, respectively.

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