Rohit Sharma says he is looking forward to play Tests
After Rohit Sharma was kept out of the squad for the Test series against the West Indies, a flurry of criticism was directed at the selectors. With his impressive performance in the ODIs this year, the Indian opener has now found his name in the team for the Test series against Australia. Rohit said he is eagerly waiting to play in the 5-day format.
Sharma looking forward to Test series
Rohit Sharma was not a part of the Indian Test squad that played against Afghanistan, England, and the West Indies. This was on the back of his poor performances with red ball against South Africa, where he just managed 78 runs in four innings. After two Tests, Rohit was dropped in order to accommodate Ajinkya Rahane in the playing XI.
How has been Sharma's Test career so far?
Sharma has played in 25 Tests for India thus far, with his debut coming in Kolkata in 2013 against the West Indies. Sharma's average is not impressive at all, hitting the 39.97 mark and his highest score is 177, which he scored in his very first match. He has also never put up an impressive performance in overseas Tests.
Was it a right decision to pick Sharma against Australia?
While it cannot be denied that Sharma is in great form when it comes to T20s and ODIs, his performance record does not guarantee he will be exceptional in the Tests. His average in Tests outside Asia is a mere 23.90, with 502 runs coming from 22 innings played. Sharma also does not have a single century outside Asia, his top score being 72.
India can take a chance with Sharma
Though Sharma has never impressed in Tests outside India, it is important to take a chance with him. Except for Virat Kohli, no other batsman showed any character during India's 5-match series against England, and so a fresh addition to the side was expected from the selectors. We hope Sharma manages to put up a fight against Aussies.
What is the schedule of India's tour of Australia?
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off from December 6 and will consist of four Test matches. It will be preceded by a three-match T20I series starting from November 21 and followed by a three-match ODI series from January 12.
