Australia vs India 2018: From Now On It's A Two-Match Series For Us, We're Starting Afresh - Ajinkya Rahane

Indian National Cricket Team had won the first game by 31 runs followed by a miserable loss in the second Test by 146 runs. However, there remained a gap of seven days between the second and the third Test. Both the teams will try to win the crucial game to put themselves in a safer position. Meanwhile, Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said that it will be a fresh start and is hoping to regain the lead in the ongoing series against Australia.

Need some effort from the batting department – Rahane

Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, the 30-year-old said that he is confident enough that he will slam a century or a double-century. Rahane also revealed that he decided to play in such a manner in the last two games.

“I am sure it will come in this match. The way I am batting, from Adelaide to Perth, the mindset I was into a counter-attack and the rhythm I was batting in, maybe 100 or even 200 can come,” Rahane said.

Moreover, Ajinkya Rahane said he would continue the way he has been batting. The right-hander so far has played four innings and had scored two half-centuries. In addition to, he put forward the team’s cause over his milestone.

“I think it is more important for me not to think about it. I have to continue batting the way I am. And I can read the situation a bit better, and if I can play like that, it will be better for the team. Personal milestones can be achieved later as well.” he added.

The bowlers have been doing a fine job for India in the overseas tours while the batsmen have struggled to back them. Rahane believes that the batting unit needs to put some extra effort to change the results.

“As a batting unit, we must support the bowlers. Since South Africa tour Indian bowlers consistently got opposition out twice. If we batters play well and support our bowling unit results will be different,” Rahane further added.

Furthermore, the second Test witnessed some heated exchanges between the two skippers. Ajinkya Rahane said the banter has been enjoyable in this series and makes for compelling entertainment.

“It is important to stay that way (not cross the line with banter) because it helps keep Test cricket alive,” Rahane concluded.

The third Test of the four-match Test series will commence from December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.