The much-anticipated Perth Test, starting on November 22, marks the beginning of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia. The Indian cricket team faces a tough challenge, both strategically and tactically. With Rohit Sharma ruled out, Jasprit Bumrah steps up as captain, a move that has sparked intense discussions on the team’s playing XI. From the openers to the bowlers, every selection decision carries weight.
IND vs Australia Perth Test: What Playing XI is Expected?
Adding to the intrigue is the Optus Stadium pitch, known for its bounce and pace, a characteristic highlighted by Western Australia Cricket’s chief curator, Isaac Macdonald. India’s combination of players, particularly the pacers, will be crucial in determining their performance on this fast-track.
The Expected Combination for India
The Indian team must carefully craft their playing XI, with three pacers almost guaranteed due to the pitch conditions. Here’s a deeper look at the likely composition.
Bowling Lineup
- Jasprit Bumrah – Leading the pace attack as captain.
- Mohammed Siraj – A reliable partner with consistent form.
- Akash Deep – Likely to join as the third seamer.
There’s speculation that Nitish Kumar Reddy may feature as a fourth pacer, offering depth in case of extra workload. On the spin front, the duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin might not make the cut, given Perth’s pace-friendly surface. However, Washington Sundar, known for his all-round abilities, stands a strong chance due to his impressive record in the last Australia tour.
Batting Lineup
- Openers: With KL Rahul fully fit, he is expected to pair with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top. Shubman Gill’s injury rules him out for this Test, making this pairing almost certain.
- Middle Order:
- Sarfaraz Khan likely at No. 3, stepping in for the absent Rohit Sharma.
- Virat Kohli will anchor the innings at No. 4. With 25 Test centuries at this position, he is indispensable.
- Rishabh Pant slots in at No. 5, bringing his explosive batting skills and wicketkeeping abilities.
- Dhruv Jurel may feature as a specialist batsman after his impressive form in practice matches.
India’s Playing XI for the Perth Test
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Washington Sundar/Ravindra Jadeja
- Jasprit Bumrah (Captain)
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
Key Considerations for the Perth Test
- Pitch Report: The Perth surface offers bounce and pace, favoring fast bowlers over spinners.
- Captaincy Shift: Jasprit Bumrah takes charge, working closely with head coach Gautam Gambhir.
- Injury Woes: Shubman Gill’s thumb fracture and Rohit Sharma’s absence necessitate changes in leadership and opening partnerships.
- All-round Strength: Washington Sundar’s potential inclusion adds depth with both bat and ball.
India’s Schedule in Australia
- 1st Test: November 22-26, Perth
- 2nd Test: December 6-10, Adelaide
- 3rd Test: December 14-18, Brisbane
- 4th Test: December 26-30, Melbourne
- 5th Test: January 3-7, Sydney
Quick Round-Up in Bullet Points
- Rohit Sharma’s Absence: Bumrah takes over as captain.
- Playing XI Dilemma: A three-pacer setup is almost certain.
- Openers: KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to start.
- Middle Order Anchors: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant take key roles.
- Spinners’ Fate: Unlikely to feature, but Sundar could be an exception.
- Match Importance: Critical for India’s chances in the World Test Championship final.
Conclusion: A Test of Strategy
The IND vs Australia Perth Test is more than just the first match of the series—it’s a test of leadership, strategy, and adaptability. With critical decisions around the playing XI, especially the bowling combination, Jasprit Bumrah and Gautam Gambhir face a monumental task. The spotlight will be on how well India adapts to the challenges posed by the bouncy Perth pitch.
