Ahead of the all-important Boxing Day Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane sounded extremely confident of scoring a century. Rahane, who aggregated 164 runs from the first two Tests in Australia, has failed to notch up the three-figure mark in red-ball cricket since August 2017.
While the elegant right-hander has hit a glorious 70 in India’s second innings at the Adelaide Oval, he scored a fluent fifty in the first innings at Perth.
"I am sure it will come in this match. The way I am batting, from Adelaide to Perth, the mindset I was into a counter-attack and the rhythm I was batting in, maybe 100 or even 200 can come," Rahane told reporters on Monday.
"I think it is more important for me not to think about it. I have to continue batting the way I am. I can read the situation a bit better and if I can play like that it will be better for the team. Personal milestones can be achieved later as well.
"I am really happy (to return here for Boxing Day Test). We all know how big it is and to come here at 1-1 is really good. We had our chances in Perth but it is important to stay in the present right now and give our best starting from December 26," he added.
Rahane said India's batting unit must step up and help their bowlers if they are to win more consistently away from home.
India had arrived in Australia as a No.1 ranked Test side. However, they still have a lot to prove outside the subcontinent. Kohli’s side lost 2-1 to South Africa earlier this year and then suffered a 4-1 series defeat in England this summer.
India are currently levelled 1-1 with Australia, having won the opening Test in Adelaide by 31 runs and suffering a heavy 146-run defeat in the second Test at Perth.
"As a batting unit, we must support the bowlers. Since South Africa tour Indian bowlers consistently got the opposition out twice. If we batters play well and support our bowling unit results will be different," Rahane asserted.
"Yes we played some good cricket but right now it is important to start well and giving your best in each and every session because the game can change in a session. We need some good batting in these two Tests and I am sure the batsmen will take this responsibility," he further remarked.
Rahane said that it was important to learn from the past, but more important to take the next two Tests session by session.
"I do believe in momentum especially while playing cricket. We had some great chances to dominate the Perth Test and the result would have been different. In Test cricket, you have to grab small little opportunities. From now on its two-match series for us. We got a nice break after the second Test, which was so necessary. We are starting afresh," he stated.
The verbal duel between Virat Kohli and Tim Paine was constant in the second Test with umpires Chris Gaffaney and Kumar Dharmasena having to make the two skippers understand the importance of playing the game in a right spirit.
Speaking about the war of words between India captain and his counterpart, Rahane said the banter has been enjoyable in this series and makes for compelling entertainment.
"It is important to stay that way (not cross the line with banter) because it helps keep Test cricket alive," he said.
"Whatever happened on the field was really good and competitive and hopefully all enjoyed that. For us, it is important to stay focused. You can sledge but also at the same time stay focused and be competitive," Rahane concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
