Despite trailing 0-2 going into the Boxing Day Test, the Indian cricket team has something to cheer about as Bhuvneshwar Kumar's hopes of playing in the Melbourne match increased after the pacer went through the MCG nets without any discomfort here today.
The 24-year-old medium-pacer injured his ankle during the warm-up games and was ruled out of the first two Tests with Dhawal Kulkarni flying in as back-up. India missed Kumar's services in Adelaide and Brisbane as they lost both the matches.
The Uttar Pradesh seamer, who also has a first-class batting average of 29.21, is eagerly awaited in the playing XI at the MCG on December 26 and his batting net session raised hopes of his inclusion in the third game.
Even after the Brisbane match, Kumar had bowled in the nets with a heavily strapped ankle and was seen speaking with bowling coach Bharat Arun after the nets.
He did not bowl today as it started drizzling in India's session and a final call will only be taken after a couple of days.
