Aaron Kirby: The bounce of Australian wickets India’s arch-enemy once again

Friday at 10:06 AM

There’s a reason the Australian cricket team consider beating India in India the pinnacle of achievements.

The conditions are so foreign, and unlike anything in Australia, your entire team must show true mastery over their skills to even be competitive.

But as hard as it is for Australia to adapt to India, it’s just as difficult for India to adapt to Australia.

And that was in the spotlight again as the megastars of Team India took to the WACA Ground for the first day of match simulation.

The WACA pitch, with India using the strip that was once reserved for Tests at the iconic cricket ground, was far from demonic but did have some of the venue’s famed pace and bounce.

To India’s dismay, its first scalp was KL Rahul’s right hand/arm.

Sent out to open as he auditions to take the place of Rohit Sharma, who is likely to miss the first two Tests as he awaits the birth of his second child, Rahul was left in visible discomfort as a delivery from Prasidh Krishna reared towards his glove.

He attempted to take strike after taking a breather but had to call for medical assistance and was taken from the field without returning.

If Rahul has suffered a fracture, India will have to make a tough decision.

Shubman Gill was shifted to open with impressive youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal as the top order were given a second crack.

But Gill has struggled at the top of the order in past series in Australia and has been crafting a home for himself at first drop.

If Rahul doesn’t get up for the West Test commencing on Friday, and India doesn’t want to change their order, it could leave them looking at debuting Abhimanyu Easwaran.

The 29-year-old has an impressive first-class resume with 7674 runs at 48.87 with 27 centuries, but they lose 53 Tests of experience and a batter that can ply his trade from one to seven.

It’s almost like Australia losing Alex Carey but not having Josh Inglis in reserve.

Camera IconShubman Gill in action. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian

The bounce proved India’s No.1 issue for the rest of the day, with every top-order wicket, other than Rishabh Pant being bowled, coming from catches behind the wicket.

After three crisp cover drives, Virat Kohli was caught behind prodding.

Jaiswal and Gill used their extra height and looked better, but both were caught in the gully region during their first knock.

India were wise to give themselves a near-fortnight lead in as Australia’s bounce looks like the tourists’ arch-enemy once again.

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