Rohit Sharma picked as opener in World XI by 'scared' Australian stars ahead of BGT 2024-25
Published - 28 Oct 2024, 05:35 PM | Updated - 28 Oct 2024, 11:40 PM
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Australia cricketers Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Usman Khawaja lauded Team India skipper Rohit Sharma despite his poor form. Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Usman Khawaja selected Rohit Sharma as the opener in their World Test XI.
Rohit has been under scrutiny following India's 113-run defeat to New Zealand in Pune. The visiting team clinched the three-match series 2-0 with one match remaining. It is worth mentioning that the Tom Latham-led team ended the Men in Blue's impressive streak of 18 consecutive home Test series wins.
The opening batter has had tough times with the bat against New Zealand. He was dismissed for a nine-ball duck in the first innings and added eight runs off 16 balls in the second innings of the Pune Test. In the first Test, he scored 2 runs off 16 balls in the first innings, followed by a half-century in the second.
Rohit Sharma Plays His Shot But Also Has Solid Defence - Steve Smith
Speaking to Fox Sports, Marnus Labuschagne highlighted Rohit Sharma's ability to apply pressure on opponents with a mix of aggression and composure. Steve Smith said that Rohit will take the game away from the opposition with his shots and solid defense, describing him as dangerous.
“Rohit at number 2. A bit of Ying and Yang, being able to put the pressure onto the opposition, take the game on," said Labuschagne in a video shared by Fox Sports on YouTube.
“He is so dangerous, takes the game on with the new ball. He plays his shots but also has solid defence when the situation demands it. He puts the bowler under a lot of pressure," said Smith.
“His presence at the crease will jump on anything short. Obviously, he can as the power to hit some very big sixes," said Lyon.
I Think Rohit Sharma Just Picks Himself - Usman Khawaja
Australia opener Usman Khawaja highlighted Rohit Sharma's consistent run-scoring as a key reason for his selection in the World XI. The left-handed batter stated that Rohit maintains impressive performances consistently over time.
“I think he just picks himself. He just scores runs. Consistency is the key and he’s consistent," said Khawaja in the video.
India Set To Take On Australia In Border-Gavaskar Trophy Next Month
The Rohit Sharma-led team is scheduled to take on New Zealand in the third and final Test match in Mumbai, starting on Friday, November 1. They want to finish the series with a win ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. Meanwhile, New Zealand aims to complete a whitewash.
Sharma has played 11 matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy throughout his career, scoring 650 runs at an average of 34.21 with the help of a century and three fifties. He will be hoping to regain his form and lead India to success in the series.
Also read: Mickey Arthur reveals reason behind Gary Kirsten's resignation, blasts Pakistan Cricket Board
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Rohit Sharma Marnus Labuschagne Steve Smith Usman Khawaja Nathan Lyon India National Cricket Team Australia National Cricket Team IND vs AUS India vs Australia
