Canberra, Dec 19: Rain and bad weather prevented a full day’s play between CA Chairman’s XI against the Indians in the second warm-up game ahead of the visitors’ first Test against Australia on December 26 at Melbourne. However, despite the bad weather, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma orchestrated an Indian fight-back that helped the visitors recover from 84 for four to 162 for four.

Earlier, MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag, who sat out the first warm-up game against the CA Chairman’s XI last week, were included in the side for this match. The Indians won the toss and opted to bat first but soon found themselves in trouble with Sehwag (12) dismissed by pacer Peter George off the last ball of the fourth over.

Both Ajinkya Rahane (15) and Gautam Gambhir (24) enjoyed a brief stay at the wicket but their departure in the space of three overs left India wobbling at 53 for three in 20.4 overs. VVS Laxman (15), who struck a half-century in the first warm-up game, gave the hosts further reason to smile when he was bowled by Jon Holland in the 33rd over of the day’s play.

Virat Kohli, eager to make an impression before the Boxing Day Test, struck a cautious half-century. Kohli’s efforts were in stark contrast to those of Rohit Sharma, who galloped to 38 off just 53 balls courtesy five boundaries and a six. The unbeaten 78-run stand between the two batsmen ensured that the visitors finished the day at 162 for four in 50 overs.

Brief scores: Indians 1st innings 162/4 in 50.0 overs (Virat Kohli 55*, Rohit Sharma 38*, Peter George 1/42, Jon Holland 1/37)