Australia vs India 2018: Ravichandran Ashwin in Doubt As India Coach Demands Openers Set Up

Indian National Cricket Team off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin remains in doubt for the third Test against Australia commencing from December 26. In addition to, coach Ravi Shastri also demanded his opening batsmen to step up and ease pressure on skipper, Virat Kohli.

Meanwhile, Ashwin had sustained an injury during the second Test in Perth. Ravi Shastri revealed that Ashwin is getting ready for the Melbourne Test where the stakes are high in the four-Test series. However, India badly wants to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

“As far as Ashwin is concerned, we are going to take a look and evaluate over the next 48 hours,” Ravi Shastri said.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is also carrying niggle, but Rohit Sharma is now fit after hurting his lower back in the first game at Adelaide.

“He has made a very good improvement, but then again we have got to see how he pulls up tomorrow. But he looks good as of today,” he added.

Indian openers had shown some poor show in the first two games of the series. KL Rahul and Murali Vijay continued their poor form while Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara had played some exceptional cricket in the series so far. Shastri is also focusing on the openers after their continuous failure to provide runs for the team.

“It’s a big concern. It’s obvious, and that responsibility and accountability has to be taken by the top order. They’ve got the experience, they’ve got the exposure over these last few years to get out there and deliver. It’s about how strong you are in the mind.” Ravi Shastri further added.

India had managed to win the first Test convincingly by 31 runs. After some poor show with the bat, Virat Kohli’s men lost the second Test by 146 runs. However, Ravi Shastri is confident that they can make it 2-1 in the Melbourne Test with one Test still to go.