The Indian Cricket Team in Australia has double good news. Cheteshwar Pujara, who has not played competitive cricket since March, had an extensive net session here on Thursday and looked comfortable facing the fast bowlers as he geared up for what promises to be a grueling Test series against Australia next month. On the other hand, India’s throwdown specialist Raghu, who could not fly with the other support staff as he tested positive for COVID-19 back home, landed in Australia and is in quarantine before joining the team.

Pujara batted both at the side nets and the centre strip where he faced Ishan Porel, Kartik Tyagi, who are with the team as net bowlers, Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Also read: Moeen Ali says he’s ‘never experienced’ racism in English cricket

Pujara, who last played the Ranji Trophy final, was instrumental in India’s historic win over Australia two years ago and his role at number three will be of immense value, especially after Virat Kohli’s departure for paternity leave following the first Test at Adelaide Oval.

Raghu’s joining the team also gives the players a great boost ahead of the series.

“He has to undergo a 14-day quarantine as per the local government guidelines. After that, he will join the team,” said a BCCI source about Raghu.

The Indian team is allowed to train in its 14-day quarantine, having arrived here last week. The ODI and T20 series will begin on November 27 and will be followed by a four-match Test series, starting with a day-nighter from December 17 in Adelaide.