India face a seletion headache to name their playing XI for the BGT opener in Perth
Photo : AP
Amid the ongoing second Test match between India and New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) set to start on November 22 with the Rohit Sharma-led set to play five Test matches against Australia.
While Abhimanyu Easwaran has earned a call-up to the team, a debut for him is unlikely unless reports of Rohit missing a Tests are true. The Indian captain will continue opening the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal while Shubman Gill is set to bat at number three.
Virat Kohli will retain his favourite number four spot while star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant will walk out to bat at number five as he aims to continue his brilliant record in Australia.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is among the most interesting selections from the team as the 21-year-old has been fast-tracked into the Test set-up after a brilliant T20I debut series. India's desperate search for a seam-bowling all-rounder is well known for Test assignments outside Asia and a debut could be on the cards for the youngster which will mean he takes the number six spot and both KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan miss out.
Ravindra Jadeja has been among India's most dependable batters outside Asia and he should find a place and is likely to be the lone spinner. With the series opener in the pace-friendly conditions at Perth and the second Test a pink-ball assignment, the team are unlikely to play a second spinner which will mean Ravichandran Ashwin misses out despite being among the best bowlers in world cricket.
While India have not selected Shardul Thakur, they will want a pacer, who is handy with the bat at number eight. This means that Harshit Rana will make his debut for the national team. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj also included.
Also Read: KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan Out, No R Ashwin; 2 Players To Make Debut: India's Strongest XI For Australia Test
India Likely Playing XI For Australia Test Series: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mohammed Siraj
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