Aussies have extended practice session

Mohali: Seeking to revive their sagging morale, the Australian cricketers today had an extended four-hour practice session ahead of the third Test against India, scheduled to be held here from Thursday.

Trailing 0-2 after big defeats in Chennai and Hyderabad, the Aussies arrived here last Thursday, a good seven days prior to the match, to get acclimatised to the conditions. The Michael Clarke-led team reached the PCA Stadium in the morning. The bowlers, including all-rounder Moises Henriques, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson, bowled six-eight overs each. David Warner, Shane Watson and Clarke had a good batting session. Under the watchful eyes of their chief coach Mickey Arthur, the Aussie batsmen were assisted by many budding spinners of the PCA. The Aussies have been troubled by the Indian spinners in both the matches. The visitors failed to survive enough overs in the last two Tests. They also had a fielding session here. After their arrival here, the Aussies took time off to visit places of tourist interest while some players played basketball and some did shopping as well. Australia have lost the Chennai Test by eight wickets and the Hyderabad match by an innings and 135 runs. The Indian team members will be reaching here tomorrow from their respective home towns. PTI