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India vs Australia: A High-Stakes Test Series Set to Begin
India is set to lock horns with Australia in a five-match Test series starting this Friday in Perth. After a crushing 3-0 series defeat at the hands of New Zealand at home, the Indian team is under immense pressure to bounce back. With skipper Rohit Sharma unavailable for the first Test due to personal reasons, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team. Rohit is expected to join the squad on the third day of the Test.
India’s Recent Struggles and WTC Hurdle
India’s loss to New Zealand has significantly impacted its chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. To qualify, India must secure an improbable 4-0 victory in this series. However, the Indian side has a history of bouncing back under pressure and performing their best when it matters the most.
Team Composition: Key Players Missing
India will be without several key players in the first Test. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma, reverse swing maestro Mohammed Shami, and young sensation Shubman Gill are unavailable. Shami is recovering from an injury, while Gill is sidelined with a thumb fracture. This series will test the mettle of players like Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who are nearing the twilight of their careers.
Bowling Battle to Dominate the Series
The Perth pitch is expected to favor bowlers with its bounce and movement. Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, will spearhead India’s pace attack. Meanwhile, Australia’s Pat Cummins will lead a formidable bowling lineup, including Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
Challenges for Australia’s Batting Lineup
Australia’s batters have struggled for consistency in recent years. While Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have stellar career averages, their recent performances have been underwhelming. Usman Khawaja has been the only reliable batter for the Aussies, while players like Travis Head and Alex Carey have shown flashes of brilliance without delivering consistently.
India’s Probable Changes
India might opt for Ravichandran Ashwin over Ravindra Jadeja due to the pitch conditions. All-rounder Nitish Reddy, known for his lower-order contributions and bowling ability, could also feature in the playing XI. Young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel are expected to bring fresh energy to the batting lineup.
Squads for the First Test
India: Jasprit Bumrah (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Washington Sundar.
Australia: Pat Cummins (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
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