India have made a strategic begin within the first Take a look at of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 towards hosts Australia, opting to bat first after successful the toss. The match is being held on the Optus Stadium in Perth, the place situations are anticipated to be difficult for batters as a result of pitch’s infamous bounce and tempo.
Key highlights
- Debutants for India: The Indian group has launched two debutants, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana, whereas Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel additionally make their first look in Take a look at cricket on Australian soil. Notably, veteran spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been unnoticed of the taking part in XI, a choice that has raised eyebrows given their expertise and previous performances.
- Captaincy Adjustments: Jasprit Bumrah is main India within the absence of normal captain Rohit Sharma, who’s at present in Mumbai for the beginning of his second youngster. Bumrah’s management might be essential as he faces off towards Australian captain Pat Cummins, marking a uncommon event the place each captains are bowlers.
- Batting Order: With Rohit and Shubman Gill lacking from the squad on account of private causes and damage respectively, Virat Kohli’s efficiency might be beneath scrutiny. He has traditionally carried out effectively in Australia, amassing over 1300 runs with six centuries in 13 Assessments on Australian soil. The Indian batting lineup will look to him for inspiration as they navigate a difficult sequence following a disappointing residence loss to New Zealand.
- Australia’s lineup: On the Australian facet, Nathan McSweeney is making his Take a look at debut as an opener alongside Usman Khawaja. The Australian group can be adjusting its batting order after David Warner’s retirement from worldwide cricket. The absence of all-rounder Cameron Inexperienced on account of damage provides one other layer of problem for the house facet.
Australia vs India 1st BGT 2024-25 Take a look at: Taking part in XIs
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj