The first match of the 5-match Test series against Australia will be crucial in Perth, but several Indian players might be unavailable before the match. Shubman Gill has already been ruled out. With other players injured, a big question remains about what India's playing 11 will look like.
Uncertainty clouds over Test captain Rohit Sharma's participation. Recently, he became a father for the second time. Some media reports suggest he will miss the first Test in Perth, while others hint that 'Hitman' might still play. However, no official confirmation is available.
India's Test series against Australia holds significant value for reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) finals. The series opener is scheduled to start on November 22 (Friday) at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Yashasvi to Open with KL Rahul?
KL Rahul was injured by a delivery from Prasidh Krishna during a practice match against India-A. However, there are reports that Rahul has fully recovered, making a potential opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal timely. Shubman Gill, due to a fractured left thumb, is unlikely to play in the Perth Test and is expected to return for the Adelaide Test on December 6.
Source: aajtak
Dhruv Jurel Set to Play
Dhruv Jurel impressed during the match against Australia A, scoring 80 and 68 runs in his two innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It suggests he could play as a specialist batsman in the team. Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has advocated for this.
Nitish Reddy as Fourth Pacer Option
Nitish Reddy’s debut in the Perth Test seems likely, as he can create a fourth bowling option alongside Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja might be preferred over Ashwin in the spinning department. Washington Sundar, who recently delivered an excellent performance against New Zealand, is also a prospective team member.
Sarfaraz Khan's Injury Woes
Before Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan suffered an elbow injury during practice. A video showed him leaving the field clutching his elbow. Previously in the Test series against New Zealand, he scored 150 in a single match. His potential absence could be a significant blow to the team. There's hope that, like Rahul, Sarfaraz will recover in time for the Perth Test. Virat Kohli was also taken for a precautionary scan, but fortunately, he is fit and ready to dispel any rumors.
India's Probable Playing 11 for Perth Test:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
Team India Squad for Australia Tour:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Australia's Squad for the First Test:
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.
India's Australia Tour Schedule (November 2024 - January 2025)
22-26 November: First Test, Perth 6-10 December: Second Test, Adelaide 14-18 December: Third Test, Brisbane 26-30 December: Fourth Test, Melbourne 03-07 January: Fifth Test, Sydney
