India’s decision to continue batting at 10.20pm on Sunday night after already passing the total of 240 posted by the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval summed up the casual nature of the 46-over-a-side fixture.

This was effectively a glorified practice match, with a few handshakes and cap presentations from Anthony Albanese honouring a long tradition of the country’s leader picking a cricket team to face a touring side.

Yet there were still some clues to be gleaned from the 89.2 overs played in Canberra, just five days out from the second Test in Adelaide.

Both sides were allowed to list more than 11 players on their team sheets, with anyone able to bat and bowl. Australia’s 14-man squad was particularly young, as is customary with a PM’s XI. Only two players – Matt Renshaw and Scott Boland – were older than 27.

There wasn’t a lot to deduce from Australia’s side given Boland is the only one likely to play in Adelaide, with Josh Hazlewood out injured (side strain). At the toss, there was also little to gauge from India’s team sheet given everyone in the touring party was on it. But once they came out to bat in the second innings, there were some curious choices.

Rohit Sharma leads India onto Manuka Oval for a match against a Prime Minister’s XI. Credit: Getty Images

India’s usual skipper, Rohit Sharma, missed his side’s win in Perth due to the birth of his second child and it was always likely he’d get a hit in Canberra against the........

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