The four-Test Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will be played from December 17. The first Test of the series will be played in Adelaide, a day and night test. After the Adelaide Test, Team India captain Virat Kohli will return home on paternity leave and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team. Two days before the match, Rahane said that apart from praising R Ashwin, no decision had yet been made on the composition of the playing XI.

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He said, “Ravichandran Ashwin’s role in the team is very important. He is very experienced and has varied a lot in his bowling. His role as batsman and bowler is very important to us. I’m sure this series will be good for them. The deputy said, ‘We reached here about a month ago. The cornerstone period was challenging and we were fortunate to get a good opportunity for a practice session. Team preparation is good enough. We have had the opportunity to practice and strategize this year. We were helped by playing two practice matches before the first Test. We are excited to start this series in a good way.

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Speaking of Rahane, ‘Australia are a very strong team and playing against a kangaroo team at their home is always challenging. He has some of the best young players on the team and these players are very aware of the environment here. We played against them in practice matches. The Australian team is very good and balanced. He said, ‘It is very important to shape ourselves in the Australian environment and play as a team. When you play for a living, you don’t have to say anything to anyone. The situation in Australia is a little better and it is more important for us to focus on the series, among other things right now.

Rahane said, ‘I believe in the present and Virat is our hero at this time. We are only thinking about the first match and when Virat is leaving, we will discuss the strategy of the other matches. All I need is my best performance in a Test match and Virat can help.