In just a few days, the sporting world will be treated to an epic showdown between two cricket giants India and Australia as they open the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth. The first Test starts on Friday, but the visitors has selection head-scratching issues more so when Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and others are ruled out. The same goes with the bowling attack since India is expected to use a mix of 3 pace specialists, a fast bowling all-rounder and a spinner.
However, as per The Indian Express report, experience under the belt spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be India’s sole spinner for the Test match against Perth. Ashwin’s selection is expected due to the presence of three left-hand batters in the Australian playing XI, as per the suggestion of the team management. The fellows include Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Alex Carey and Ashwin has been effective against left-arm batsmen in the past.
In spite of playing more than 50 Test matches Ashwin has only managed 10 Test matches in Australia where he has taken 39 wickets with an average of 42.15. This has been particularly difficult for the Indian attack which has relied on both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja on previous tours. More often than not, Ashwin ends up sitting out with Jadeja getting included mainly because of the batting options he offers.
India are also carrying three spinners – Ashwin, Jadeja and Washington Sundar – to this 5-match series.
In India’s first match at the Optimus Stadium, it is more than certain that the pitchers will be warm and India will use a fast bowler strategy. Jasprit Bumrah, who is the vice captain for India in place of regular captain Rohit Sharma, will spearhead the fast bowling attack alongside Mohammed Siraj. It will, however, be interesting to see how Indian team management copes up without Mohammad Shami in the playing eleven.
According to the statement, it is further stated that Reddy is being lined to grab his debut cap to play the all-rounder fast bowler in the first game of the series.
