NEW DELHI: Team batting sensation Virat Kohli has officially kick-started his preparations for India’s first Test against Australia at the WACA training pitches, as he hit the nets with precision and focus on Wednesday.
As reported by TimesofIndia.com, Kohli became the first of the Indian players to land in Australia on Sunday.
His arrival at Perth was well ahead of his teammates, allowing him to gain a head start on practice.
It is understood that he particularly looked sharp against short-pitched, high-speed deliveries from bowlers during Wednesday’s training session, preparing him for Australia’s pace attack.
Kohli’s commitment has set the tone for India’s warm-up for what promises to be a fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar series.
Kohli’s previous experiences on Perth pitches, especially his outings at the iconic WACA and the newer Optus Stadium, offer him some familiarity but also a reminder of the challenge.
During his first Perth Test in 2012, Kohli showcased resilience with scores of 44 and 75, even as India struggled in the game.
His 2018 return to Perth, this time as captain at Optus Stadium, saw him score a stunning 123, displaying his batting acumen against Australia’s formidable pace attack.
His early arrival in Perth has drawn attention as it signals his intent to fine-tune his game well before the series opener, particularly against short-of-length deliveries that Australian pitches are known for.
The first group of players arrived in Perth on Sunday, while the remaining members, except for captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, joined them on Monday.
Rohit’s availability for the first Test remains uncertain, as Gambhir stated that a final decision will be made closer to the match date.