Rohit Sharma Drops Shubman Gill; Australia Bats First in Boxing Day Test
In a big shakeup before the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia won the toss. They chose to bat first at the MCG. India made a bold choice. They dropped in-form batter Shubman Gill. Instead, they picked spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Australia Wins Toss, Chooses to Bat
Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first. He wanted to use the good pitch at the MCG. “We are going to have a bat today. Looks good, a bit of grass here. Sun is out, feels firm. Yeah, that’s right. 1-1, that is what everyone wanted to see. I mean certainly the fans. After Christmas, we are itching to get going. Sammy is debuting and he will be opening the batting. Scott Boland comes in for Josh Hazlewood.” Cummins remarked at the toss.
The Boxing Day Test holds high stakes, with the series tied 1-1. Fans are eager for this match. Cummins stressed the team’s readiness after Christmas. Australia’s lineup has two changes. Sam Konstas makes his debut, opening the batting. Scott Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood in the bowling attack.
India’s Big Selection Call: Shubman Gill Dropped
For India, captain Rohit Sharma surprised by omitting Shubman Gill from the XI. Gill, a top performer for the team, makes way for Washington Sundar. His inclusion adds depth to the spin department. Sharma expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and saying,
“We would have batted first as well. We have to bowl well. The series is at 1-1. A lot to play for. It gives us a perfect opportunity to show what we are as a team. Whatever situation lies in front of you, you have to fight. It’s a new day, and we are looking forward to it. We fought really well in the previous game. We have made one change. Shubman Gill misses out. Washington Sundar comes in. Yeah, I will bat at the top of the order.”
Rohit also confirmed he would open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
IND vs AUS: Playing XIs for the Boxing Day Test
India Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Lokesh Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah (vc)
- Mohammed Siraj
Australia Playing XI:
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Key Moments Ahead of Day 1
- Australia’s choice to bat first could be pivotal. The MCG pitch offers both batters and bowlers some help early on.
- The inclusion of Washington Sundar hints at India’s intent to exploit spin-friendly conditions later in the match.
- All will watch Sam Konstas, the Australian debutant, and Washington Sundar, back in the Indian team.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at stake, the Boxing Day Test promises high-stakes cricket. Two strong teams will battle for supremacy.
