India captain Rohit Sharma sustained a blow to his left knee, while Akash Deep hurt his hand at nets but the pacer allayed any injury concerns ahead of the fourth Test against Australia, starting here from December 26. (Full Border-Gavaskar Trophy Coverage | More Cricket News)
Both players were struck while facing throwdowns in the outdoor practice arena at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and were seen in some discomfort, presenting the touring party with a double injury scare four days ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
On the other hand, Japan is coming off a defeat at the hands of India's dominance, losing 1-4 to the Men in Blue. Japan's sole goal came from Matsumoto who scored with a lucky deflection to give his side their first and only goal of the game.
After copping a blow to his left knee, Rohit continued to bat but later received treatment from a physiotherapist. He sat for some time with his leg stretched on a chair, icing the knee, before walking off gingerly.
While there has been no official update on his condition, Akash, who got hit on his hand, said both were routine net injuries.
"Such blows are common when you play cricket. I think this (practice pitch) wicket was for white ball which is why the ball kept low at times.
"But these blows are common in training. There are no major concerns because of that," Akash said in a press conference.
The 37-year-old Rohit, who missed the series opener at Perth to spend time with his newborn son, has struggled with form.
India Vs Australia 4th Test: Can King Kohli Rule Melbourne Cricket Ground Once Again?Batting down the order rather than opening at Adelaide and Brisbane, Rohit has managed scores of 3, 6, 10.
go jackpot slotOn Saturday, opener KL Rahul also had a blow on his hand while batting at the nets.
The series is locked in at 1-1 after three Tests.747 live