Indian batsmen among runs in practice game against Cricket Australia XI

Virat Kohli

Adelaide, Nov 25 (IANS) Five Indian batsmen got valuable match practice ahead of the first Test Down Under, hitting half-centuries as the team scored 363/8 in reply to Cricket Australia XI's first innings total of 219 all out, to draw their first of the two two-day tour game at the Gilderol Stadium here on Tuesday.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli led his side with 60 runs. Murali Vijay (51 retired out), Cheteshwar Pujara (55 retired out), Wriddhiman Saha (56 not out) and Karn Sharma (55 not out) all utilised the opportunity presented to them by striking fluent half-centuries.

India's other two frontline batsmen Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma were also among runs, scoring 44 and 23 respectively.

Resuming the day at 55/1, Vijay and Pujara batted without facing any problems and comfortably posted half-centuries and put on 85 runs for the second wicket. Both retired after scoring 50s to give other batsmen some much-needed playing time.

Ajinkya Rahane (1) with opener Shikhar Dhawan, out for 10 on Monday, were the only batsmen to get out cheaply.

India will play their second and final practice game on Friday at the Adelaide Oval. The first Test begins on December 4 in Brisbane.