CA XI will refuse to declare in India’s warm-up match, in a move likely to anger skipper Virat Kohli

An already “whingeing” Virat Kohli could have further reason to blow up over a provocative move from Cricket Australia’s unheralded XI which will hamper India’s first Test preparation.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 29: Virat Kohli of India walks off at lunch during day two of the four day International Tour Match between the Cricket Australia XI and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on November 29, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

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An already “whingeing” Virat Kohli could have further reason to blow up after Cricket Australia’s unheralded XI provocatively stated they would refuse to declare and give India the first Test preparation they urgently need.

The devastating injury to superstar Prithvi Shaw has created an emergency situation for India who will now be desperate to get quality time in the middle into Murali Vijay who didn’t bat in the first innings of the tour match at the SCG.

Cricket Australia’s XI batted out day two of the rain-reduced three-day match to trail by just two runs with four wickets still in hand.

Virat Kohli was “whingeing” on the field about a controversial run-out — and could have more to complain about shortly. Picture: Getty

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This is a practice game created purely for India’s benefit, and already the tourists are fuming that Cricket Australia have tossed up such an unseasoned side as their competition.

However, D’Arcy Short, who creamed India’s bowlers for an impressive 74, boldly insisted the CA XI would not bow to India’s desires for a full day of batting — this despite the fact a whole day was lost to rain and the game is no longer a first-class fixture.

CA XI coach Graeme Hick has instructed his side to dig in with gun all-rounder Aaron Hardie — who dismissed Kohli on day one — 69 not out and Tim Nielsen’s son Harry, unbeaten on 56.

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Short admitted the famously volcanic Kohli was “whingeing” about a controversial run-out decision that went against India earlier in the day — and said the visitors would have to fire up and take some wickets if they want another bat before facing Australia in Adelaide.

“We’re definitely not declaring,” said Short, with the CA XI 6-356.

“We’ll bat for as long as we can. Keep them out there and make them bowl to us and bowl us out.

“There’s been a bit of stuff going on but it’s always good to keep them out there as long as possible and just show them there’s a bit of depth here and the boys can bat as well.

“They’re definitely keen to go out and bat again. Why wouldn’t you be?

“It’s the game for them to practice and it’s kind of just turned into a practice game — it’s not a first-class fixture. Which is what we want, especially the young guys playing their first game.”

Harry Nielsen finished the day’s play with an unbeaten half-century. Picture: Getty

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It was a long day in the field for India with spearhead Ishant Sharma going wicketless (0-57) from 16 overs and spinner Ravi Jadeja also failing to make a breakthrough.

Short survived a run-out appeal early in his explosive knock and said Kohli blew his top at the umpire.

“Virat was unhappy. He was whingeing about it a little bit,” said Short.

“But what can you do? He thought it was out. I guess the decision didn’t go his way.”

Given India’s preferred opening partnership has now been torn apart by Shaw’s ankle injury, they must urgently get practice into 34-year-old Vijay who has been in and out of the side in recent times.

Short denied the CA XI was motivated by wanting to ruin India’s preparations for the Test series.

“I think the boys are just excited to play against a Test attack and see how they fare against them and try to do well,” he said.

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Originally published as CA XI will refuse to declare in India’s warm-up match, in a move likely to anger skipper Virat Kohli