Despite playing all his 9 Tests in away conditions so far, Hanuma Vihari has managed to establish himself in the Indian side as a middle-order batsman and the right-hander is looking forward to make a mark in the forthcoming series against Australia, starting December 17 in Adelaide.
Vihari had played a key role in India’s first-ever Test series victory Down Under in 2018-19. In a bid to solve India’s opening woes, the Andhra batter was sent up the order to face the fearsome Aussie pace attack and he impressed everyone by seeing off the new ball in the Boxing Day Test at MCG.
“In 2018, it was my second overseas tour (after England) and it was a good challenge for me back then. Although I contributed a little (back then), I feel I am more well equipped with my game and pretty sure with my gameplan as well and looking forward to the Test series,” Vihari said after the end of the three-day warm-up tie against Australia A, as quoted by PTI.
In the pink ball warm-up game, Hanuma Vihari batted at No. 4 and scored an unbeaten 104 in the second innings.
“At number four, I always feel you have more time than you think. In domestic cricket, I have always batted number three, so I am a bit familiar batting up the order,” he said.
Vihari looks set to bat at No. 6 in the Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval.
“….but coming to bat at number six is a total different game situation. You have to bat with the keeper or an all-rounder or the bowlers. I enjoy batting at both position and it’s about what the team needs,” he remarked.
Having been in Australia for a month along with two first-class matches under their belt, Vihari said the players are now equipped enough to counter the pace and bounce of Australian tracks.
“It is very important as bounce plays a major part in this country so I feel we as Indians we tend to play every ball because of the bounce.
“First two games, if you see we are leaving the ball very well and trying to acclimatise to conditions here. Going into the first Test, we are very well equipped with pace and bounce of the wicket,” he stated.
Asked about the difference between pink and red ball, Vihari pointed out that the pace and bounce is totally different.
“The pace and bounce is totally different from the red ball, it comes on to the bat pretty well because of the shine or whatever the reason is.
“Under the lights it comes on to the bat even better. And there was a bit of the seam movement on the first day (at SCG) as well, getting used to it was a big challenge but now I feel as a team we are well prepared,” he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
