The 3rd Test of the series between India and Australia will start this Saturday in Brisbane. Three years ago, India recorded a historic victory in a Test at this venue and completed a 2-1 series victory against the Australian side.
While Ajinkya Rahane was the captain of that Indian team, he is no longer in the squad. However, most of the players who participated in that Gabba Test are still in the current squad. After a drubbing in the pink-ball game at Adelaide Oval, India might make the following three changes to win the 3rd Test vs Australia.
1. Washington Sundar in for Ravichandran Ashwin
Washington Sundar did a decent job for India in the first Test. Still, captain Rohit Sharma dropped him from the playing XI and gave a place to the more experienced Ravichandran Ashwin. It was confusing to see Sundar being left out of the playing XI because he has done a brilliant job for the team after returning to Test cricket.
Sundar has fond memories of playing Test cricket in Brisbane. Hence, it will be better for the team if Sundar replaces Ashwin.
2. Sarfaraz Khan in for KL Rahul
It’s time that the Indian team leaves out KL Rahul from the playing XI because captain Rohit Sharma is best suited for the opener’s role. Rohit should open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the third Test against Australia. India will need a middle-order batter, and Sarfaraz Khan can take that position.
3. Akash Deep in for Harshit Rana
Rotation of fast bowlers is necessary in a five-match Test series. Harshit Rana could not impress much in the pink-ball Test and seemed off-color. It is time to give him a break and let Akash Deep prove himself in Australian conditions. Deep has a good record in Tests on Indian soil. He can wreak havoc in Australia if he executes his plans properly.
