Melbourne: The Indian team yesterday insisted on having taller net bowlers to prepare well for the likes of Morne Morkel when the defending champions take on South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

A member of Team India’s support staff uses a stool to execute throw downs during a training session in order to tackle bowler Mohammad Irfan's delivery at St Peter’s College’s Main Oval in Adelaide before their victorious clash against Pakistan last week

A lanky called Nathan was the most impressive net bowler. He consistently bowled short pitch deliveries and yorkers, giving Indian batsmen good preparation to tackle possible chin music. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men had a four-hour intense practice session yesterday. Various bats were tried out during the session. Some batsmen used heavy bats against spinners, while some preferred lighter willows to face the pacers.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who was hit on his hand during a practice session, did not bowl in the nets yesterday. He batted for a long time though.