Perth: Australian Cricket Team India And Australia Looking Forward To Gear Up For The Border-Gavaskar Trophy Cricket Series. They will go head-to-head in a five match Test series starting from November 22 in Perth. But doubts arise as to which eleven will step on to the field for India in this first encounter.
Lack of key participants only serves the purpose of increasing interest. Young batsman Shubhang Gill is a doubt for the first Test due to an injury, while captain Rohit Sharma is in India meaning he is unlikely to be available. This makes the future structure of the team’s bowling a mystery.
The Fate of India’s Fast Bowlers: Who Will Seal the Spot?
The following series is going to be bowling dominated in which Jasprit Bumrah is going to be the key player for the Indian team. Mohammed Siraj is likely to partner him even if he has had problems with his performance because of his much needed experience when playing in Australia.
The real point of contention, though, is who will accompany them as the third pace bowler? Chief selector Sunil Joshi, will now have to make his final choice between Aakash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana as the team’s lead spinner.
Aakash Deep is an off spinner who has represented the Indian team in five Test matches and bagged ten wickets, recently against New Zealand he began his barrage early in the innings. However, all his matches have been on the Indian soil.
The fast bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana from Delhi is also uncapped on the international stage, yet his high pace average in excess of 140km/h, allied to good bounce. His net practise sessions in Perth seemed impressive to many and he has come to be viewed as a frontrunner to the playing XI.
On the other hand, Prasidh Krishna who has played two test matches also have recently tested his innocuous,the right arm fast prepared bat friendly pitches for two match test series against Australia A. His capacity to manipulate the Australian conditions with admirable bounce could turn the screws in his favour in the management corridors. In his first class career, he has done 21 matches and took 75 wickets.
Selection of a right fast bowling line will be vital as India prepares to confront the hostile Aussie conditions. The toss between experienced players and young blood build up the excitement in preparations for the opening Test. All eyes are on the management, this decision could influence the outcome of India in this much awaited series.