Focus on Rohit's form and Shubman's fitness

The skipper spent some time in the nets while Shubman looked comfortable while batting on the eve of the tour game

- ASHISH MAGOTRA

The Indians were clearly happy to get back on the field after a three-day break on Friday. It was cloudy and overcast at the Manuka Oval here and by the time the Indians hit the field, it was drizzling as well.

But the Indians just wanted to get on with things. The practice pitches were covered when the team arrived but after a brief session on the ground, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma were the first into the nets and even though the groundsmen were a little concerned, there was no stopping the players.

India have three major areas of focus in their two-day tour game against the Prime Minister's XI at the Manuka Oval which begins on Saturday.

First, they want to ensure skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test due to the birth of his child, was back up to speed. For only the second time on the tour, the Indian skipper had a session in the nets. There is still some time before the second Test match at Adelaide and this will help him get a feel of the conditions.

"As you know, when Rohit Sharma comes, he brings a lot of laughter and keeps the atmosphere good," said assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.