India defines XI for the Test: Shaw, Saha and Ashwin in the starting lineup

The Indian cricket team has announced its lineup for the Adelaide Test, with Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, and Prithvi Shaw as representatives. Umesh Yadav completes the pace bowling trio.

Key Decisions in Selection

Before the test, India faced several crucial questions: Shaw’s continuity, the inclusion of a spinner, and the choice of wicketkeeper. Shaw, despite the competition from Shubman Gill, who performed better in the practice matches, was selected as an opener. Although Gill impressed figures like Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, Shaw kept his place. In practice matches, Shaw scored 0, 19, 40 and 3, but his loose shots worried Gavaskar and Border.

The titular spinner, especially with the absence of Ravindra Jadeja due to injury and concussion, also retained his position. The last time India chose not to include Ashwin in an opening match of a series was on the 2014-15 Australia tour. Regarding the wicketkeeper, India opted for Saha instead of Pant. The team seems to have decided that the pink ball will require a more established wicketkeeper. Yadav was selected as India’s third fast bowler, replacing the injured Ishant Sharma. Yadav impressed in the practice match, taking 3 for 48 and 1 for 14.

India’s Lineup for the Adelaide Test

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