India defines its XI for the Adelaide Test: Shaw, Saha and Ashwin starters

Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, and Prithvi Shaw will represent India in the Adelaide Test, as announced by the team. Umesh Yadav will be the third fast bowler. The main questions India faced before the Test were: whether to back Shaw, whether to play a spinner and keep Ashwin, and which wicketkeeper to choose. The uncertainty was resolved with the XI’s designation on the eve of the day-night Test. Shaw, under pressure, was selected despite Shubman Gill’s better performance in the practice games. Although Shaw is the starting opener, and demonstrated his destructive potential in one of the four innings in New Zealand, his loose shots generated concern. It is understood that India was seeking continuity at the top of the lineup, keeping the incumbent.

The titular spinner, Ashwin, also retained his place, especially in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja due to injury. The last time India chose not to include Ashwin in an opening match of a series was on the 2014-15 Australia tour. Despite the logic of playing Ashwin, not including any spinner in the opening match of the series could have been considered. Regarding the wicketkeeper, India left out Pant, preferring Saha in Tests outside Asia. The technical team seems to have decided that the pink ball demands a more established wicketkeeper. Yadav was the front-runner to be India’s third fast bowler, replacing the injured Ishant Sharma. Yadav has experience in Tests and also impressed in the only practice game he played.India XI: Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt.), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.