Hanuma Vihari focused on improving his ability to play the short balls ahead of Australia tour

After scoring tons of runs in the domestic circuit for a pretty good period of time, Hanuma Vihari finally got his chance to represent the Indian national side in England. He scored a brilliant fifty in the first innings but got out for a duck in the second innings.

Nevertheless, the Andhra cricketer is keen on working hard and improving his game in some areas before the Australia tour. Going by his recent form, Vihari is surely going to be a part of the team which will travel Down Under. But before that, the youngster reckons he has to work on his ability to play the short ball.

“At the international level, I have seen fast bowlers mostly bowl short of length to test you, especially the youngsters. People say that there is pace and bounce in wickets in Australia so I will have to learn (to play the shot ball better). Leaving the ball will also be crucial and I am confident doing that I want to perfect the shot,” he was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

Talking on how he spent his time when he wasn’t selected in the XI for the Windies tour, Vihari said, “I did not get a game against the West Indies, so I used the time in the nets to prepare for Australia. We had a ramp kept on the pitch so that it generates some steep bounce which we are likely to face Down Under.”

Not much time left to prepare for Australia tour

Not a lot of time is left for the 25-year-old to prepare himself for this big tour, but Hanuma Vihari said he is working relentlessly in every way possible. He is also hoping to travel to New Zealand for India A tour, which would provide some good exposure of the Pacific climatic conditions.

“It is a big series I would like to be hundred percent before I go there. I don’t know if I will be in the team for the A tour to New Zealand but if I get a game it will be good practice. If not the same, the conditions could be similar to Australia,” said the Andhra captain.

Vihari registered a match-winning 87 representing India B in the Deodhar Trophy. He’s now looking forward to the Ranji Trophy as well and is expecting to make every opportunity count. “Honestly, there is not much gap to prepare for Australia tour. Immediately after this (Deodhar Trophy), we have the Ranji Trophy coming up. With the limited time that I have, I will try to make the best use of it,” he added.

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