IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma casts doubt over Perth Test availability, confirms major change in India schedule

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India captain Rohit Sharma's involvement in the upcoming Perth Test against Australia remains uncertain, as he confirmed on Sunday (November 3).

Following India's defeat in the third Test against New Zealand, Rohit expressed doubts about his "availability" for the match, which marks the start of a five-game series.

The first match of the Australia series is set to take place in Perth from November 22. Speculation had earlier suggested that Rohit might miss this match due to personal reasons. If Rohit is absent from the series opener, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to assume leadership duties.

When questioned about his participation in the first Test, Rohit remarked, "Right now, I am not too sure whether I'll be going, but let's see. Fingers crossed."

Rohit Sharma also confirmed changes in India's preparation plans for the Australia series. The practice match against India A has been cancelled.

"Instead, a three-day window at WACA will be used for centre-pitch match simulations.When you play that practice match, we are travelling with a squad of 19 players, and it was just three days allotted to us. And I don't know how much workload we can do in those three days in terms of getting everyone prepared," the India captain said.

"We as a management think that in match simulation, the batters can spend enough time in the middle and the bowlers can bowl a lot of balls. That is something we feel more comfortable doing as a team rather than playing practice match," he further added.

The Indian team faces a challenging task after losing 3-0 to New Zealand at home. They must win 4-0 or 5-0 against Australia to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final next year without relying on other results. The five Tests are set to take place in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.