India will play against Australia in the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on November 22. The Test begins on Friday, but India is facing some selection problems due to injury concerns and also due to the unavailability of skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is not available.
India might choose 3 fast bowlers, a fast-bowling all-rounder, and a spinner.
The Indian Express reports that experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be the only spinner in India’s playing XI for the Perth Test. The team management is likely to choose Ashwin because Australia has three left-handed batters in their lineup, that are Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Alex Carey. Ashwin has a strong record against left-handed batters.
Ashwin has played only 10 Test matches in Australia where he has grabbed 39 wickets at an average of 42.15. India often finds it difficult to include both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in overseas matches. Usually, Ashwin is left out, as Jadeja is preferred because he adds strength to the batting lineup.
India is currently traveling with three spinners, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Washington Sundar for the five-match series.
India will face a challenging pitch at the Stadium, making it obvious that they will use a pace-heavy bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah, leading the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence will head the pace attack with support from Mohammed Siraj. However, it will be interesting to see how the team handles Mohammad Shami’s absence.
The report also mentioned that the young all-rounder from Sunrisers Hyderabad Nitish Reddy might make his debut as a fast-bowling all-rounder in the first match of the series.
