But Rahul was put through a solid workout during India’s training session on Sunday morning that lasted nearly three hours. After two days of match simulation – featuring effectively India’s main XI against a line-up comprising fringe or India A players – some squad members trained on the WACA centre wicket and nets.
“Based on the reporting, I was a lot more confident that he should be fine,” Yogesh Parmar, one of India’s physiotherapists who accompanied Rahul for the X-rays and scans, said on a post on X from BCCI. “It was just a matter of controlling the pain and him getting some confidence. From a medical point of view, he is absolutely fine”
“I’m feeling good and I’ve batted today,” Rahul said, “getting ready for the first game. [I] was happy that I could come here early, get some time to get used to the conditions. I’ve got a lot of time preparing for the series and I’m excited and looking forward to it.”
Amid reports that he underwent scans recently, Kohli batted without any sign of discomfort across two innings on the first day of the match simulation. He made 15 and 30 not out, but struggled at times against short-pitched bowling on a relatively sedate WACA surface.
After an initial three days at the nets followed by three days of match-simulation practice on the centre wicket, India have completed their block of training at the WACA. Tuesday onwards, they will resume their preparations at the Optus Stadium, where the first Test begins on November 22.
While some net sessions and the first day of match simulation were open to the media, the weekend activities took place behind closed doors owing to logistical reasons.
Hosts Australia, meanwhiless, start their first Test preparations on Monday with a training session at the WACA.
