Australian batsmen haven't been able to survive enough overs in the last two Tests to know what it is like batting on a typical Indian track on the fifth day of a match and that prompted them to practice on the Test-match strip here today.
Having batted only nine overs on the fifth day of the first Test and the second Test getting over in less than three and half days, the Aussies got a "virtual test" of batting on a "fifth day Indian track".
It was inevitable that playing spinners would be their focus of attention during the final practice session in Hyderabad but what was interesting was some of their top batsmen opted to bat on the Test-match wicket.
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Michael Clarke and Phil Hughes. Pic/ Getty Images
With enough rough created on both sides and the cracks widening, Australian captain Michael Clarke spent the maximum time facing the likes of Nathan Lyon, Xavier Doherty and leggie Steve Smith.
The two other batsmen who spent quality time facing the spinners on the match-strip were David Warner and Shane Watson. While watching the Aussies practice, it became evident that apart from Clarke, Watson and Warner are the two batsmen, who are at least expected to take on India's spin trio.
"Any day, we would like to practice on a Day 5 wicket. Practice a huge amount on that. As I have said earlier that Watson and Clarke are among top-eight batsmen, who have experience of playing here. So more the boys get a chance to practise on a fifth day track, better it will be for their careers," chief coach Mickey Arthur reasoned when asked about the specific reasons for training on fifth day pitch.
"We want our batsmen improving against spin bowling. Just like whenever India comes to Australia, we take them to WACA (Perth). Our batsmen are still young and learning to bat on Day 5 wickets. You learn that with experience," he added.
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