Shikhar Dhawan impressed by rookie Barinder Sran's bowling exploits

The T20 warm up match between India and Western Australia XI played out yesterday came out as a confidence booster for the men in blue. With Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan scoring fluent half centuries, India beat the Australian domestic side by 74 runs.

Dhawan scored 74 runs in the match, highlighting his return to form. He said, “I am happy that I scored runs in a practice match. It gives me confidence. I got used to the pitch. More time that I spend at the wicket in the coming days, better it will be for me.”

Dhawan and Kohli had a partnership of 149 runs, taking India to a healthy total of 192 for the loss of four wickets. With MS Dhoni promoting himself up the order, the skipper looked in good form as he thrashed the Australian side for 22 runs in 14 deliveries.

Beri (Sran) has immense potential: Dhawan

With bowling figures of 2/24 in four overs, new comer Barinder Singh Sran impressed one and all in the team. Shikhar Dhawan called the left arm speedster a “good prospect for India”.

Sran had hit the right length and hurried the batsmen with short balls. His efforts were rewarded as he got the wickets of opening batsman Darcy Short and rival skipper Will Boristo.

Asked about for the young pacer’s future prospects, Dhawan said, “It was a great boost for Beri (Barinder), actually I call him by that name. It always nice to get the wickets (2/24). With time, he will get more matured as he gains experience. He is fit and strong. He looks to be a good prospect for India.”

Left arm spinners Axar Patel and Rabindra Jadeja impressed with identical figures of 2/13 in three overs among other bowlers. Pacer Ishant Sharma was rested for the match as he would be used for the upcoming warm up ODI tomorrow.

Asked about what are the things that changed as India were visiting Australia after 10 months, the left hander said, "If you ask me about what changed from last time, I would say some players have changed. But the attitude is still the same as there can't be much change on that aspect. Because at international level, one needs maintain a certain degree of hard work. We will be aggressive and play with positive mindset."