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The Indian cricketers received a rousing reception from the crowd at the last session, but they were also subjected to constant requests for selfies while training in the nets, while some were mocked after missing the ball or getting out.
Adelaide crowd enjoying the net session
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma echoed the Indian team’s decision to opt for only private practice net sessions, stating their disinterest in entertaining crowds at the risk of tactics and conversations being leaked.
India’s training session on Tuesday was an open session that saw thousands of fans gathering at the Adelaide Oval to watch the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bat in the nets.
The Indian cricketers received a rousing reception from the crowd, but they were also subjected to constant requests for selfies while training in the nets, while some were mocked after missing the ball or getting out.
According to The Age, the touring party has asked Cricket Australia for no more open training sessions going forward.
After India’s humiliating 10-wicket loss in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Rohit took to the presser and expressed his concerns on entertaining open crowds during training.
“No, the net sessions are very private. This was the first time I saw so many people during the nets,” stated Rohit.
“When you are training, there is a lot of conversation that happens and those conversations are very private. We don’t want anyone to hear those conversations. It is as simple as that because there is a lot of planning, there is a lot of talking that happens and the crowds are very close to that practice facility.”
“You know there are five days of Test cricket, they can come and watch us there.”
India is on the back foot once again as the return of Rohit along with Shubman Gill proved to be futile against the lethal Australian bowling attack. Mitchell Starc took charge in the first innings with a six-wicket haul while the skipper, Pat Cummins took things forward with a fifer in the second innings.
Rohit and Co will now shift their focus on the Gabba Test where the Indian team will hope to bounce back with a more convincing performance to give them a series lead and also keep hold of a chance to qualify in the World Test Championship Final.
