After a mediocre ODI series, India applied the screws in the T20 format. With a series win, the men in blue further reiterated their authority in the shortest format. That said, the firm focus will still be on the Test series.
A highly important tournament from the perspective of the Test Championship table, Team India will be keen to win the test series. Last time on the Australian soil, the squad did well, but this time around, there could be a few concerns.
While the availability of the full-strength squad of Australia will be the biggest obstacle, the fact that Virat Kohli will miss three games is a huge setback. Nevertheless, there is still positivity that Team India would do well. On that note, in this article, let us take a look at the strongest possible XI that India can field for the first game. Before that, here is a glimpse of the squad that has been selected for the five-day games.
India’s Squad For The Test Series: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (if he proves fitness), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj.
Australia vs India First Test Match
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Date: December 17th, 2020 to December 21st, 2020.
Openers: Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw
It would be the right decision to start with Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw for the first game. While Mayank is a certain inclusion, there have been concerns regarding his partner. The likes of KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, and Shubman Gill are in contention. Considering Shaw was used last time in New Zealand, Team India could go in with the youngster. However, based on form, it might not be a surprise if KLR gets a look in ahead of the teenagers.
Middle-Order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), and Rishabh Pant (WK)
The No.3, 4 & 5 will remain the same as the previous XI that played in Australia. Pujara was enormous in the previous tour, and considering he is a specialist in this format, the Saurashtra man will play all four games. The vice-captain of the squad, Ajinkya Rahane at No.5 will be an important spot in the team. He will have the responsibility to hold the batting order together. Although Saha is available, solely for him being a potential X-factor in the line-up, Rishabh Pant is our pick for the first game. Of course, Virat Kohli will play the first match, but once he leaves, KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma must take his spot.
All-Rounders: Hanuma Vihari and Ravindra Jadeja
If Jadeja is fit, he will play at No.8. His batting has improved in recent years, and that will be a big bonus for the Indian Team. On the other hand, Jadeja’s accuracy with the ball and his liveliness on the field will also be an advantage for the XI. Hanuma Vihari must play because there needs to be depth in the batting line-up. Ravichandran Ashwin has been poor with the bat in recent years, and that could be the likely reason for his exclusion. Vihari can also lend a few overs with the ball if necessary.
Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah
While Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are sure shot selections, Team India could have a minor headache with the third seamer spot. Ishant Sharma is not available, and that would leave the management with the options of Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Navdeep Saini. For his seniority and experience, Umesh Yadav might be preferred for the first encounter. He did well in the practice game and has the knack for scoring some quick runs too. Hence, the trio of Bumrah, Shami, and Umesh would most likely be part of the Adelaide Test.
India’s Predicted Strongest XI For The First Test Match: Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah.
