Time when India approached lively pitches with fear gone: Kohli before Perth Test

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has said his team is "more excited than nervous" by the lively Perth pitch as the team held its final training sessions on Thursday before the second Test against Australia. 

"We certainly get more excited than nervous looking at lively pitches now because we understand that we do have a bowling attack which can, you know, bowl the opposition out. As much as they are convinced about their attack," Reuters quoted Kohli as saying at the pre-match press conference. 

Also Read: Tim Paine fit, Aussies unchanged for Perth Test

Kohli told the media that the days when the Indians walked out on to a fiery track with fear were long gone. 

"It's a very exciting phase to be in but something that we need to build on. As I said, we cannot be complacent or satisfied with one win. We have to keep repeating good things to be able to win series." 

Kohli said he thought both sides had an equal chance of winning the Test, as Indian batsman Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the second Test against Australia by injury. 

"We are definitely confident of the percentage of chances that we have and we want to build on that." 

"Obviously, Australia is going to be a strong team at their home conditions and on a wicket like Perth which probably offers you more than other pitches in Australia but as I said, we have an equal chance in the game." 

Australia have kept their team unchanged, with Australia team Captain Tim Paine declaring himself fit and ready. Paine suffered a finger injury in the series-opening loss to India when he was struck on the glove by a short Mohammed Shami ball on the final day of play in Adelaide. 

(With inputs from Reuters)