India Defines its Lineup for the Adelaide Test
Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, and Prithvi Shaw have been selected to represent India in the next test in Adelaide. Umesh Yadav completes the trio of fast bowlers. These were the main questions the Indian team faced before the match: Shaw’s continuity, the inclusion of a spinner, and the choice of wicketkeeper. The pressure on Shaw increased with Shubman Gill’s performance in the practice games, impressing prominent figures. However, Shaw, as the starting opener, demonstrated his potential in one of the four innings in New Zealand. Although his scores in the practice games were low, his risky shots generated concern. It is understood that India sought to maintain stability at the top of the batting order.
Although playing Ashwin is reasonable, not including a spinner in the opening match of the series could have been considered, as in day tests in Australia, spinners have averaged 49, despite Lyon’s average of 25 in these matches. Lyon’s success suggests that world-class spinners have the opportunity to improve these statistics.
Regarding the wicketkeeper, India left out Pant, who has been preferred over Saha in tests outside of Asia. The coaching staff seems to have decided that the pink ball requires a more established wicketkeeper. Despite Pant’s good performance in the practice match at the SCG, he has not played in any international match since then. Yadav was the main candidate to be India’s third fast bowler, replacing the injured Ishant Sharma. He has test experience and also impressed in the only practice match he played.India’s Line-up: Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
