Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, and Prithvi Shaw will represent India in the next Test in Adelaide. Umesh Yadav completes the trio of fast bowlers. These were the main questions India was considering before the Test: maintaining confidence in the talented Shaw, the inclusion of a spinner, and the choice of the wicketkeeper.
The team resolved these doubts when announcing the starting lineup.
Shaw, who had been questioned, will keep his place in the team. Shubman Gill performed better in the two practice matches, impressing prominent figures. However, Shaw, as the starting opener, has shown his potential.
In practice games, Shaw scored 0, 19, 40, and 3 runs. His risky shots were concerning, but continuity in the batting order was a key factor in keeping him in the lineup.The titular spinner, especially with the absence of Ravindra Jadeja due to injury, also retains his place.
The decision to include Ashwin could be influenced by the absence of Jadeja, although not including a spinner in the opening match could have been considered.
As for the wicketkeeper, India opted for Saha instead of Pant. The team seems to have decided that the pink ball will require a more experienced wicketkeeper.
Yadav was the front-runner to be India’s third fast bowler, replacing the injured Ishant Sharma.
India’s XI for the Test: 1 Mayank Agarwal, 2 Prithvi Shaw, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt.), 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Hanuma Vihari, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 R Ashwin, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Jasprit Bumrah
