Rohit Sharma joined the Indian squad a few days ago, having completed his quarantine. At a virtual press conference, Nathan Lyon said that Rohit Sharma looks set to make it to the Indian playing XI for Sydney, but he is curious to know whom he would replace. Lyon added:
Rohit Sharma has been named the vice-captain for the last two Tests against Australia, taking over from Cheteshwar Pujara. He is either likely to open the innings in place of the struggling Mayank Agarwal or could bat in the middle-order, replacing Hanuma Vihari.
Rohit Sharma averages only 31 in Australia from five Tests, so he has a point to prove when he goes out to bat.
Nathan Lyon all praise for Rahane and Ashwin
India recovered from the Adelaide humiliation to clinch a famous win in the Boxing Day Test. The victory was inspired by a classy hundred from stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane. Praising Rahane, Nathan Lyon said:
The 33-year-old is also hopeful that Australia can tackle the Ravichandran Ashwin problem. The off-spinner has dismissed Steve Smith cheaply twice in the series, once caught at slip and then at leg-slip. On Ashwin, Nathan Lyon added:
Nathan Lyon is also expecting David Warner, who is recovering from injury, to be available for the last two Tests against India. He said:
Nathan Lyon goes into the Sydney contest needing six wickets to complete 400 Test scalps.
The third Test between India and Australia starts on January 7. The match will be played with 25 percent crowd capacity amid rising COVID cases in the city.
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