In the highly anticipated opening Test of their five-match series at Perth Stadium on Friday. India won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia. India’s defense of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy commences with this series; however, their captain, Rohit Sharma, who has recently become a father for the second time, and opener, Shubman Gill, who sustained an injury to his finger during an intra-squad match, are absent.
In Rohit’s absence, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is leading India. Debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have made their debuts for India.The team has implemented a few substantial modifications. Bumrah expressed his confidence in the team’s preparations, stating, “We are well-acquainted with the conditions here; the wicket becomes more rapid after the first session, so we are fairly certain of our preparation.”
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the opening batsmen for India, while Washington Sundar is the sole spinner in the squad. We anticipate Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to play significant roles in India’s batting lineup, laying a strong foundation.
Additionally, the Australian team has implemented modifications to their lineup. Nathan McSweeney will team up with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. While Steve Smith will resume his preferred number four position. Pat Cummins will lead Australia’s bowling attack, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon providing support. Mitchell Marsh will be instrumental in the pace department, as all-rounder Cameron Green is currently unable to participate due to his recent back surgery.
Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia, expressed his opinion on the pitch conditions, stating that it has been “nice and bouncy.” He also mentioned that the quick bowlers would be seeking some velocity and bounce from the wicket.
India has won the last four series between the two teams, dominating recent encounters with Australia. This creates the potential for an exhilarating match, as both teams boast notable players such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj for India, and Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood for Australia. Players such as Shahnawaz Dahani and Yashasvi Jaiswal may also become breakout heroes as the series progresses.
The first step toward winning the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy excites both teams. This match promises to be an exciting contest.
QUADS:
• Australia: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk). Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj.
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