Will Rohit Sharma play 3rd Test: Indian opener joins squad in Melbourne ahead of SCG Test

Will Rohit Sharma play 3rd Test: The Indian opening batsman has finished his mandatory quarantine period in Sydney.

India opening batsman Rohit Sharma has joined the Test squad in Melbourne ahead of the third Test which is scheduled to be played in Sydney from December 7.

Sharma, 33, was ruled out of the first two Tests on the tour of Australia due to a hamstring injury. What followed was contrasting statements from various stakeholders amidst Sharma returning to the field to lead Mumbai Indians to their fifth Indian Premier League title.

Upon receiving approval from the NCA (National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru, Sharma reached Australia and underwent a 14-day mandatory quarantine period.

A recent COVID-19 outbreak at the Northern Beaches in Sydney had increased concerns around Sharma’s stay in Sydney but the 33-year old player continued to stay there in a safe and biosecure environment.

Will Rohit Sharma play 3rd Test?

Having won the second Test by 8 wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday, India receiving the Rohit-Sharma-boost will further bolster their Playing XI.

Speaking during the post-match presentation after sealing the chase, India captain Ajinkya Rahane had confirmed Sharma joining the squad before the third Test. “We’re excited about Rohit [Sharma] coming back. Spoke to him yesterday, he’s very excited and waiting to join the team,” Rahane told Fox Sports.

While Sharma remains a certainty for the New Year’s Test, it will be interesting to see whom he will replace. As of now, one out of Mayank Agarwal or Hanuma Vihari will be benched to accommodate the white-ball vice-captain.

In the five Tests that Rohit has played in Australia, his 279 runs have come at an average of 31 including a couple of half-centuries.