India batsman Hanuma Vihari has revealed on Tuesday (October 23) that he is currently working on the art of leaving the ball and negotiating the short ball to be best at the business ahead of Australia tour.
With only two weeks left for the first Test starting December 6 at Adelaide, Vihari is hoping to make it to India A squad for the New Zealand tour, where Test regulars Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are also expected to travel ahead of the Australia tour Down Under, to get noticed.
He is currently playing in the Deodhar Trophy 2018-19 where he smacked a match-winning 87 for India B to help the team to beat India A by 43-run on Tuesday.
Vihari told reporters, “I did not get a game against the West Indies, so I used the time in the nets to prepare for Australia. We had a ramp kept on the pitch so that it generates some steep bounce which we are likely to face Down Under. I know it will be difficult for me to get into the Test eleven while playing at home as five bowlers will play in India. I understand that. I have already started preparing for the Australia tour and, if given an opportunity, will strive to perform well Down Under."
The 25-year-old all-rounder further added, “It is a big series I would like to be hundred percent before I go there. I don't know if I will be in the team for the A tour to New Zealand but if I get a game it will be good practice. If not the same, the conditions could be similar to Australia.”
On the bowling, the right-arm off break bowler said, “At the international level, I have seen fast bowlers mostly bowl short of length to test you, especially the youngsters. People say that there is pace and bounce in wickets in Australia so I will have to learn (to play the short ball better). Leaving the ball will also be crucial and I am confident doing that I want to perfect the shot.”
Vihari signed off by saying, “Honestly, there is not much gap to prepare for Australia tour. Immediately after this (Deodhar Trophy), we have the Ranji Trophy coming up. With the limited time that I have, I will try to make the best use of it.”
(Input: Press Trust of India)
