India’s first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium brought exciting changes to the playing XI, with two debutants making their mark. Harshit Rana was included as the third pacer, while Nitish Reddy was selected as a fast-bowling all-rounder, both achieving their dream of donning the Test cap on Australian soil.
The honours of presenting the debut caps were bestowed by cricketing stalwarts – Virat Kohli handed Rana his cap, while veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin presented Reddy with his. India, led by Jasprit Bumrah, opted to bat first after winning the toss. However, the line-up featured unexpected adjustments.
Senior spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were left out, with Washington Sundar stepping in as the lone spin option. The absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who stayed back for the birth of his second child, prompted KL Rahul to move up to the opening slot.
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Injuries further reshaped the side, as Shubman Gill’s thumb injury allowed Devdutt Padikkal to claim the number three spot, and Dhruv Jurel was preferred over Sarfaraz Khan in the middle order. Jasprit Bumrah expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “We played a Test here in 2018, so we know what to expect. The wicket tends to quicken up after the first session.”
WHAT IT MEANS! 🇮🇳🥹
Proud moments for young #NitishKumarReddy & #HarshitRana as they receive their maiden Test caps for #TeamIndia. Go well, boys! 👏
📺 #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 1st Test, Day 1, LIVE NOW! #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/3vaXegIt4m
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For Australia, Nathan McSweeney debuted as an opener alongside Usman Khawaja, filling the void left by David Warner’s retirement. Mitchell Marsh returned as the all-rounder, replacing the injured Cameron Green.
India enters the series with a history of back-to-back triumphs in Australia, including the dramatic 2020-21 series win. However, they’ll look to rebound from a disappointing 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand. With both sides undergoing transitions, the stage is set for an intriguing contest.
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India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (capt), Mohammed Siraj.
Australia: Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
