Ahead of the Boxing Day Test match, India captain Rohit Sharma copped a big blow on his left knee during practice on Sunday, December 22. Rohit was injured during a session with the throwdown specialist when the ball sneaked through his pads and hit him on the knee.
The injury comes just four days ahead of the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne. India are level 1-1 with Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and will push for a win in the final two Test matches of the series, in the hope of a three-peat vs Australia. India have won the last two tours Down Under, first under the leadership of Virat Kohli and then under Ajinkya Rahane.
The hope for the three-peat might be under threat if the India captain gets injured for the last two Tests of the series. On Sunday, Sharma was spotted applying an ice pack on his knee after his injury and had hobbled out of the nets in Melbourne.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Full Coverage
Earlier on Saturday, India opener KL Rahul got hit on his hand while batting at the nets and was promptly attended to by the team’s physio ahead of the fourth Test against Australia. Rahul was hit on his right hand and was seen in some discomfort at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The BCCI did not provide clarity on either of the injuries.
India’s Record at MCG
India have played 14 Tests at the iconic MCG. The team has won only 4 of the 14 Tests and has lost in 8 occasions. Only 2 Test matches have ended in a draw. India first played at the MCG in January 1948 against a Donald Bradman-led Australian side. Under the leadership of Lala Amarnath, India lost the match by 233 runs.
India’s recent record at the MCG is however quite good. India have not lost at the ‘G’ since 2014. They have won 2 and drawn 1 out of their three games.
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