Sydney: The reticent Hanuma Vihari has slowly but surely cemented his place in the Indian Test team and is confident of contributing to the team’s cause, saying he is well-equipped to execute plans in the traditional format.
Vihari scored a hundred and also got a wicket with his part-time off-breaks against Australia A in the pink ball warm-up game. He looks set to bat at number six in the first Day/Night Test at Adelaide.
“In 2018, it was my second overseas tour (after England) and it was a good challenge for me back then. Although I contributed a little (back then), I feel I am more well equipped with my game and pretty sure with my gameplan as well and looking forward to the Test series,” Vihari said after the end of the warm-up tie.
While he will be batting at number six in the Test match, during the warm-up game, he did get a chance to bat at number 4 and 5 along with seasoned pros like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
“At number four, I always feel you have more time than you think. In domestic cricket, I have always batted number three, so I am a bit familiar batting up the order,” he said.
“Obviously, batting with Pooji (Pujara’s nickname) is completely different. We always have a good communication and he tells me what the bowler is trying to do,” he observed.
His assessment of Rahane is that the Mumbaikar is more flamboyant and has a good grip on game situations.
“Batting with Ajinkya, he is more flamboyant and he has also got a good sense of game situation.
“....but coming to bat at number six is a total different game situation. You have to bat with the keeper or an all-rounder or the bowlers. I enjoy batting at both position and it’s about what the team needs,” he said.
Having been in Australia for a month along with two first-class matches under their belt, Vihari said the players are now well-prepared to tackle the pace and bounce of Australian tracks.
