The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is currently tied 1-1, with the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane ending in a rain-affected draw. India started the series with a dominant 295-run win in Perth but lost their early advantage following a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.
Taking to social media, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the Indian bowlers putting in a relentless effort in the nets, emphasizing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to achieve success on the field. The caption on the video read: "There is no substitute for hard work. The relentless effort behind the scenes translates into success on the field. The Indian bowlers are ticking every box as we get ready for the Boxing Day Test."
In the video, Bumrah, Siraj, Akash, Harshit Rana, and Yash Dayal were seen hitting the deck hard and sharpening their skills, with the Indian team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, overseeing the session. Spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja were also seen bowling in the nets, gearing up for the critical fourth Test.
Bumrah, who captained India in the opening Test at Perth, has been the standout bowler for the team, leading the wickets tally in the series with 21 scalps. However, the pacer has not always received consistent support from his teammates. Mitchell Starc, Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in the series, trails Bumrah by seven wickets, while Australian captain Pat Cummins holds the third spot with 14 wickets. Siraj, with 13 wickets, is the fourth-leading wicket-taker for India in the series.
On the batting front, India faces concerns over the form of senior players Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma. Kohli, despite a memorable century in the second innings at Perth, has struggled with scores of 7, 11, and 3 in his last three innings. Rohit, who moved to the middle order, has managed just 19 runs across the last two Tests. The Indian captain missed the first Test due to personal commitments but joined the team for the second Test in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, K.L. Rahul’s good form at the top of the order has been a positive for India. Yashasvi Jaiswal is looking to regain his form after his impressive 161-run knock in the second innings of the series opener in Perth. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are also expected to step up in the remaining Tests, as the Indian team looks to build momentum for the World Test Championship final.
With the fourth Test scheduled to begin at the MCG on December 26, all eyes will be on India’s response as they look to make a strong push to win the series and secure a spot in the WTC final.
