India captain Rohit Sharma has urged his fellow bowlers to provide more support to star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in their ongoing series against Australia.
With the five-match series tied at 1-1 following a rain-affected draw in Brisbane, the focus now shifts to Thursday's test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Bumrah has been exceptional, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 10.90, whereas the rest of the Indian bowling attack has collectively taken 26 wickets at a higher average of 36.81.
Sharma acknowledged Bumrah’s dominance but emphasized the need for the other bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, to contribute more effectively.
"Bumrah has been outstanding so far," Sharma said. "Siraj and the others know they must step up to support him and get the job done. They've been trying hard but have been a bit unlucky with missed opportunities and near chances."
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Sharma also reassured that he is fit despite a knee injury sustained during a net session, but he did not confirm whether he would continue batting at No. 6, where he has struggled in the series.
India is also considering including two spinners in response to Melbourne’s forecasted high temperatures, which could reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). With veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retiring and returning home after the Brisbane test, Washington Sundar and newcomer Tanush Kotian are being considered for spin duties. Ravindra Jadeja, who has bowled 23 overs without taking a wicket, remains in the mix.
Meanwhile, Australia's Travis Head has been cleared to play and will be joined by MCG specialist Scott Boland, who famously took six wickets for seven runs on his test debut during the 2021-22 Ashes series. Australia will make two changes, with 19-year-old Sam Konstas set to debut in place of Nathan McSweeney, and Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood.
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Head has been in remarkable form, scoring 409 runs at an average of 81.80, including centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane. While other Australian batters have struggled against Bumrah, Head has stood out as a key performer.
The fifth and final test of the series is scheduled to begin on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.