Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin and Prithvi Shaw were selected to represent India in the Adelaide Test. Umesh Yadav will complete the fast bowlers’ attack.
India’s main questions two days before the Test were Shaw’s continuity, the inclusion of a spinner with Ashwin, and the choice of wicketkeeper.
Shaw, under pressure due to Shubman Gill’s performance in the practice games, was finally chosen. Although Shaw did not have the best performances in New Zealand, India opted for continuity in the opening.The absence of Ravindra Jadeja due to injury also influenced the decision to keep Ashwin. The last time India didn’t include Ashwin in the first match of a series was on the Australia tour in 2014-15.
Regarding the wicketkeeper, India opted for Saha instead of Pant. The team seems to have prioritized Saha’s skills behind the stumps, considering the pink ball conditions.
Yadav was selected as the third fast bowler, replacing the injured Ishant Sharma. His experience and performance in the practice game were key factors.India’s Line-up: 1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Prithvi Shaw, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (captain), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Hanuma Vihari, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.
