Ajinkya Rahane has always been known as one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen in overseas conditions and he proved that yet again when he scored his 12th Test ton at the MCG to lead India to an eight-wicket win over Australia.

He received applause from every nook and corner for his success with the bat, but the world praised him for his excellent leadership skills as well. Rahane led from the front in regular skipper Virat Kohli’s absence and he showed that this Indian team is not one that gets bogged down easily.

Former India batsman Praveen Amre shed some light on Rahane’s preparations for the Australia tour and he said that his disciple looked in a zone of his own in the nets.

“Ajinkya was on his own (during practice sessions). He knew what he was doing and he was asking my throw-down person to bowl him in this and that area, he wanted to practice for this type of a balls,” Amre was quoted as saying by Sports Today.

Amre also went on to say how Rahane took many blows on his body as he knew how the Australian bowlers were going to pepper the Indian batsmen with short balls Down Under.

“He made sure that he will have less reaction time when he was going to prepare in those practice sessions. He was ready to take the blows on the body because he was aware that there will be sessions in Australia where he has to take blows on his body to survive that session,” Amre further said.

“I think that’s what he did before going and I was really glad to see how he was preparing, because Ajinkya’s story is that he was successful only because he prepared really well before each and every tour,” Amre added.

The series is now set up quite well for a thrilling finish with the scoreline reading 1-1 after two Tests. The third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on January 7, is expected to be equally exciting as well. The Indian team will be looking to carry the winning momentum forward whereas the hosts will look to bounce back once again.