Indian Batsmen Sachine, Laxman,rohit shine in tour

Canberra: Sachin Tendulkar (92), VVS Laxman (57) and Rohit Sharma (56) all got valuable time in the middle as India’ two-day practice match against Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI at the Manuka Oval ended in a draw. India were 320/4 at the the end of the second day’s play. Tendulkar retired 92 and VVS Laxman got retired hurt on 57 while in-form Rohit Sharma was not out on 56 when the stumps were drawn.
Jake Haberfield picked up the early wicket of opener Ajinkya Rahane for just three, Gautam Gambhir was dismissed by Glenn Maxwell for a 63-ball 35 that also included six boundaries, while stand-in skipper Rahul Dravid fell soon after lunch, caught by Peter George at mid-on off the bowling of Cameron Boyce for 45.
However, Tendulkar stayed on at the other end and steadied the innings with a 133-run partnership with Laxman.
Earlier on Thursday, Tom Cooper and Wes Robinson scored centuries and shared a 226-run partnership to lift the Australian invitational XI to 398 for six declared on a docile pitch after Dravid won the toss and elected to field.
Cooper’s unbeaten 182 contained 24 boundaries and three sixes, while Robinson’s 143 featured six big sixes – including five off test hopeful Pragyan Ojha.
India are using the two- and three-day matches in Canberra to prepare for the four-Test series against Australia starting December 26.
Src: IBN

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