Published: Oct 23, 2018, 09:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 23, 2018, 09:01 PM (IST)
After what was a testing debut for Hanuma Vihari against England, the 24-year-old did not get a game in the home series against West Indies, but has already set his sights for another tough overseas tour of Australia starting this December.
Vihari showed he can hold his own in swinging conditions with a gritty 56 on debut at the Oval, but Australia presents a whole new challenge for the middle-order batsman, but he says he is up for the challenge.
“At the international level, I have seen fast bowlers mostly bowl short of length to test you, especially the youngsters. People say that there is pace and bounce in wickets in Australia so I will have to learn (to play the shot ball better). Leaving the ball will also be crucial and I am confident doing that I want to perfect the shot,” he said.
“I did not get a game against the West Indies, so I used the time in the nets to prepare for Australia. We had a ramp kept on the pitch so that it generates some steep bounce which we are likely to face Down Under,” added Vihari after making a match-winning 87 in India B’s 43-run win over India A in Deodhar Trophy on Tuesday.
Since there is not much time left for the first Test starting December 6 at Adelaide, Vihari hopes to be in India A squad for the New Zealand tour, where Test regulars Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are also expected to travel ahead of the tour Down Under.
“It is a big series I would like to be hundred percent before I go there. I don’t know if I will be in the team for the A tour to New Zealand but if I get a game it will be good practice. If not the same, the conditions could be similar to Australia,” said the Andhra captain.
“Honestly, there is not much gap to prepare for Australia tour. Immediately after this (Deodhar Trophy), we have the Ranji Trophy coming up. With the limited time that I have, I will try to make the best use of it,” he added added.
