Pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered a standout performance in the unofficial Test against Australia A, picking up two key wickets in the first over of the second innings. The wickets of Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft were particularly significant as both players are in the mix for selection in the Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
With Steve Smith confirming his return to the number four position, the opener’s spot remains up for grabs, and Krishna’s performance could have a major impact on the selection process. Prasidh Krishna struck early, dismissing Marcus Harris with the second ball of the innings. Harris, unable to get the timing right, nicked the ball through to Dhruv Jurel for a simple catch.
In the very next delivery, Krishna trapped Bancroft in front of the stumps with an LBW decision, sending the Australian batter back to the pavilion. These back-to-back wickets put Australia A on the back foot, leaving them with a challenging task to chase 168 runs in the fourth innings.
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India, meanwhile, is under significant pressure ahead of the BGT 2024-25, especially after their disappointing 3-0 series loss to New Zealand. The Indian team’s preparation is crucial, and the selectors are even contemplating leadership changes, with the possibility of removing Gautam Gambhir as head coach if India falters in the upcoming series.
Marcus Harris 🦆
Cameron Bancroft 🦆Prasidh Krishna removes two Test contenders on consecutive balls in the first over #AUSAvINDA pic.twitter.com/5bOOhC7Fqj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 9, 2024
The outcome of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could also determine India’s fate in the World Test Championship race. With the team gearing up for training in Australia next week, there is uncertainty around who will partner Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the first Test.
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Harshit Rana was considered a contender, but Prasidh Krishna’s impressive performances on Australian soil, including a four-wicket haul in the first innings and his two early wickets in the second, make a compelling case for his inclusion in the playing XI. Team India will use their upcoming training sessions to finalize their squad and address these selection dilemmas.
