Ever since the Indian team landed in Perth, the local papers and radio stations have been talking about a spiteful Optus Stadium pitch. And a well-rolled grassy pitch it will be at the Optus Stadium for the second India v Australia Test.

Injured Rohit, Ash ruled out
India were struck by a cruel blow in their final training session with the news of Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma being ruled out of the second Test due to injuries. Ashwin suffered an abdominal strain while Rohit jarred his back while fielding in Adelaide. Add to that, Prithvi Shaw is still to recover from his ankle injury. Hanuma Vihari will be the straight replacement for Rohit, but it is the bowling front that presents headaches for the Indian team management.