India vs Australia 2nd Test Adelaide:
The Indian cricket team is on tour in Australia, gearing up for a series of five Test matches against the host team. The first Test took place in Perth, where India emerged victorious with a 295-run win. The second Test is scheduled to be a day-night affair at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 6 (Friday) at 9:30 AM IST.
Significant Changes in Team India's Playing-11
Eyes are on the playing-11 of the Indian team for the Adelaide Test. Two changes are certain, and a third is highly likely. Rohit Sharma and the young batsman Shubman Gill will definitely return to the lineup. Rohit missed the first Test for personal reasons, while Shubman has recovered from a thumb injury.
The return of Rohit and Shubman may lead to the exclusion of Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal from the playing-11. However, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to open in the Adelaide Test, while Rohit Sharma will play in the middle order, a strategy he has confirmed himself. Rohit is likely to bat at the sixth position, a spot he last occupied on December 28, 2018, in the Melbourne Test against Australia, where he made 63 and 5 runs in two innings.
Additionally, all-rounder Washington Sundar might also be omitted from the match, with the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin expected to replace him in the playing-11. Ashwin boasts an impressive record in day-night Test matches, having taken 18 wickets at an average of 13.83 in all four matches he played for India. At the Adelaide Oval as well, he has excelled, claiming 16 wickets in three Tests.
Rohit's Remarks on Sundar, Harshit, and Nitish
Washington Sundar is seen as a future contender to replace Ashwin. Captain Rohit Sharma believes that this young all-rounder possesses the ability to excel in different conditions around the world. Rohit said at a press conference, 'He is a very solid all-rounder. We have seen what he can do with both ball and bat. He has a robust technique to play anywhere in the world, and having such players in the team gives you confidence.'
Source: aajtak
He added, 'I just hope that he remains injury-free, as a player like him is always valuable to our team. He provides us with the balance and depth a team always needs. I can see his career only heading upwards from here unless an unfortunate injury occurs.'
The Indian captain mentioned that he hasn't watched Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy play much but was impressed by their fighting attitude on the field. Rohit stated, 'Watching them was very impressive. I have personally only heard about them and seen them in a few IPL matches. Especially Nitish, who I have seen playing in some T20 matches before joining here.'
Australia Has Already Announced Their Playing-11
The Australian team has declared their playing-11 for the match. Fast bowler Scott Boland has made it to the lineup, replacing the injured fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. Boland has represented Australia in 10 Test matches, taking 35 wickets to his name. The 35-year-old Boland was also part of the playing-11 in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India last year.
Thus far, the Indian cricket team has played four Test matches with the pink ball and has suffered only one defeat, which came four years ago at Adelaide when the team was dismissed for 36 runs. Playing with the pink ball during sunset poses a significant challenge. However, the historic victory in the Perth Test has boosted the spirits of the Indian team.
India's Probable Playing XI for the Adelaide Test:
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Rohit Sharma (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia's Playing XI for the Second Test:
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
