Rohit Sharma’s Test Captainship and Australia’s Test Performance

• 21-year-old cricketer showcased his skills in Australia in 2011-12.

• Key player in India’s maiden triseries title in Australia.

• Won his Test cap in November 2013 after a three and a half-year absence due to an ankle injury.

• Test average is 31.38, with only three half-centuries from 14 innings and a highest of 63 not out in Australia.

• Hasn’t played more than three Tests in a series in Australia previously, only in 2014-15.

• Only played two Tests in the two subsequent tours, 2018-19 and 2020-21.

• Rohit is now the leader of the side and a terrific opening batter.

• Has led India in only five Tests overseas.

• Made 368 runs, once not out, and saw off 866 deliveries to those runs.

• Striking at 42.49 runs per 100 deliveries faced in 64 Tests in all.

• Faces a similar challenge over the next five weeks.

• Test season has been less than impressive, with a solitary half-century in 10 innings and a mere 91 runs in the 0-3 hammering at the hands of the Kiwis.