Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma. | (Credits: X)
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has remained coy on Rohit Sharma’s spot for the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, beginning on January 3, Friday. The former Indian opener dodged the question twice, claiming that they will announce the playing eleven after looking at the conditions in Sydney.
The 37-year-old opener remains under massive scrutiny due to his woeful returns in the three Tests against Australia. Rohit missed the opening Test in Perth due to paternity leave and slotted back into the side in Adelaide. He batted at number six in Adelaide and Brisbane but had scores of 3, 6 and 10 in those. However, the veteran struggled even after opening in Melbourne, registering scores of 3 & 9 as Australia romped to a 2-1 series lead.
Below is the video shared by One Cricket:
Speaking at the presser on Thursday, here’s what Gambhir said when asked about the playing eleven:
“Everything is fine with Rohit and I don’t think there is anything to worry about. The head coach is there, so that should be fine. We are going to look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow.”
When another reporter asked the same question, the 43-year-old answered:
“As I just said, we’re going to look at the wicket and probably announce the playing XI tomorrow. Plans remain the same.”
Australia make one change to their playing XI
Australia, meanwhile, have made one change to their playing eleven by dropping Mitchell Marsh to draft a like-for-like replacement in Baeu Webster. Mitchell Starc has held on to his spot despite a sore side and back.
Australia playing XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
