India Dominates First Test, Focus Shifts to IND vs AUS 2nd Test
In the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India stunned Australia. They won by 295 runs in Perth. The team overcame a shaky start. They were bowled out for 150 in the first innings. But, a brilliant bowling effort restricted Australia to just 104 runs. With a vital 46-run lead, India bounced back in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli scored centuries. India declared at 487-6, setting a target of 534. The Aussies could only manage 238 runs in response.
With the focus on the IND vs AUS 2nd Test at Adelaide, a big question is: What will be India’s playing XI with captain Rohit Sharma back to lead the team?
Who Will Make Way for Rohit Sharma in IND vs AUS 2nd Test?
Rohit Sharma missed the first Test due to paternity leave. He will return to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. This adjustment raises a significant selection dilemma for the team. KL Rahul, whose unbeaten 62 in Perth showed his skill, may drop to the middle order to accommodate Rohit at the top.
The most probable candidate to miss out is young opener Devdutt Padikkal, who had a quiet debut in Perth. Another variable is the fitness of Shubman Gill. Gill, recovering from a hairline fracture, missed the first Test. If fit, he could replace Dhruv Jurel in the XI. Reports suggest Gill is unlikely to play in the two-day practice match before the Test. This makes his availability uncertain.
If Gill remains unavailable, KL Rahul might shift to No. 3 to stabilize the batting lineup.
Will India Bring Back the Spin Duo in Adelaide?
The conditions at Adelaide Oval, which traditionally favor spinners, could lead to changes in India’s bowling setup. In Perth, the team opted for Washington Sundar, favoring a pace-heavy approach. However, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are strong contenders for a spot in the second Test.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Experience
Ashwin has a strong record in pink-ball Tests in Adelaide. So, he is a great option. In his last match here, he dismissed Steve Smith with a brilliant delivery. He finished with 4 for 45. His ability to extract bounce and turn on dry surfaces could be critical.
Ravindra Jadeja’s All-Round Edge
Jadeja’s batting in overseas conditions and his accurate bowling give India a reliable all-rounder. His inclusion might be prioritized if the team seeks additional batting depth.
Washington Sundar’s Recent Form
Sundar had a great 89-run partnership with Virat Kohli in the first Test. But, if they need a specialist spinner, they may rethink his role as an all-rounder.
India’s Probable Playing XI for IND vs AUS 2nd Test
Here’s how India’s lineup could shape up for the Adelaide Test:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill / KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- KL Rahul / Dhruv Jurel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja / Ravichandran Ashwin
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
What to Expect in IND vs AUS 2nd Test?
The IND vs AUS 2nd Test, starting on December 6, 2024, at Adelaide Oval, promises to be a high-stakes encounter. India leads the five-match series 1-0. They want to keep their momentum. Australia, however, will seek a strong comeback on their home turf. Rohit Sharma’s return and some changes to the bowlers add intrigue to an already exciting series.
