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The upcoming India-Australia Test series is looming large, and the Indian team is diligently preparing for the challenge in Perth. In a recent match-simulation practice at the WACA Ground, the Indian batting lineup showcased a mix of struggles and promising performances. Virat Kohli, battling a recent slump in form, faced an early dismissal in the simulation, falling for a meager 15 runs after a promising start. While he did manage a score of 30 in a second innings, his struggles in the recent New Zealand series continue to be a cause for concern. His recent form, with a paltry 93 runs in the three-match series and a mere 250 runs from six Tests in the ongoing year, has raised questions about his ability to regain his dominant form.
Despite Kohli's struggles, there was a glimmer of hope in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young batsman impressed with a solid half-century, scoring 58 runs in the simulated match. This promising performance comes at a crucial time for India, who are desperately seeking a reliable opener to complement the seasoned KL Rahul. While Rahul was unfortunately forced to retire hurt after being struck on the arm, his partnership with Jaiswal at the top of the order showed promise. The other notable performance came from Shubman Gill, who ended the simulation with an unbeaten 42 runs.
The match simulation, spanning 75 overs, concluded with India finishing on 339/8. This practice session is part of India's comprehensive preparation for the first Test, scheduled to commence on November 22 in Perth. The series carries significant weight for India, as they need a 4-1 victory to automatically qualify for the World Test Championship final. The pressure is on for the team to start strong, especially after their recent 0-3 defeat against New Zealand. With the series starting in less than a week, all eyes will be on Kohli's form and whether he can rediscover his scoring prowess. The performance of Jaiswal and Gill will also be closely watched as India seeks to build a formidable batting lineup for the upcoming Test series.
Source: BGT: Virat Kohli fails, Yashasvi Jaiswal stars in simulation practice in Perth