Tim Paine lauds Dhruv Jurel's performance in unofficial Test match
What's the story
Australian cricketer Tim Paine has praised India A's Dhruv Jurel for his phenomenal performance in the second unofficial Test against Australia A. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman impressed on the difficult Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch, scoring 80 and 68 runs respectively. "There's a guy who has wicket kept in a few Test matches for India," Paine said on SEN Tassie. "He averages 63 out of the three Tests he's played, and his name is Dhruv Jurel."
High hopes
Paine predicts bright future for Jurel in Test cricket
Paine had high hopes from Jurel in Test cricket, saying, "I'd be staggered if he doesn't play." He said Jurel's innings was one of the most refined 80s he has seen. "Even though it's going to be another step up against the big three (Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood), he looks like he has the game to play Test cricket," Paine added.
Upcoming series
India gears up for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will start on November 22 at Perth's Optus Stadium. This comes after a recent defeat against New Zealand. The coaching staff, under Gautam Gambhir, is working on boosting player morale ahead of the first match. There's uncertainty over the captaincy for the opening Test and thus, who will take the second opener slot.
Coach's confidence
Gambhir confident despite recent setbacks
Despite recent failures from senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Gambhir is confident they will bounce back in the next series. Both had a string of failures in the New Zealand series, with only one half-century in six innings. However, Gambhir has faith they will make a strong comeback. "We are ready for any pitches and conditions," he declared. "We don't control the pitches they make, we are ready to play in any kind of conditions; we have got all the bases covered."