Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, and Prithvi Shaw have been selected to represent India in the upcoming Adelaide Test. Umesh Yadav completes the trio of fast bowlers.
The main questions India faced two days before the Test included Shaw’s continuity, the inclusion of a spinner, and the choice of wicketkeeper.
Shaw, although under pressure, was backed as an opener. In the practice games, Shubman Gill performed better, impressing figures like Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. However, Shaw kept his position, showing destructive potential in one of his four innings in New Zealand.
The decision to keep Ashwin, the starting spinner, was maintained, especially with the absence of Ravindra Jadeja due to injury. The last time India chose not to include Ashwin in an opening match of the series was on the 2014-15 Australia tour.
Regarding the wicketkeeper, India opted for Saha instead of Pant, prioritizing his wicketkeeping skills. The team seems to have decided that the pink ball will require a more established wicketkeeper.
Yadav was the front-runner to be India’s third fast bowler, replacing the injured Ishant Sharma. His experience and performance in the practice game backed him.India Lineup:
