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

India Defines its Lineup for the Test in Adelaide

Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, and Prithvi Shaw will represent India in the Adelaide Test, with Umesh Yadav as the third fast bowler. These were the main questions India contemplated before the Test: continuity with Shaw, the inclusion of a spinner, and the choice of wicketkeeper. Shaw, under pressure, saw Shubman Gill perform better in practice games. Despite this, Shaw was the opening batsman, showcasing his destructive potential in one of his four innings in New Zealand.

The titular spinner, especially with the absence of Ravindra Jadeja due to injury, kept his place. The last time India didn’t select Ashwin in an opening match of the series was on the 2014-15 Australia tour. As for the wicketkeeper, India opted for Saha instead of Pant, preferring Saha’s superior skills in receiving, especially with the pink ball. Yadav is set to be the third bowler, replacing Ishant Sharma. His experience and performance in the practice game support this.

India Lineup:

• Mayank Agarwal
• Prithvi Shaw
• Cheteshwar Pujara
• Virat Kohli (c)
• Ajinkya Rahane
• Hanuma Vihari
• Wriddhiman Saha (wk)
• R Ashwin
• Umesh Yadav
• Mohammed Shami
• Jasprit Bumrah