Australia vs India: Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Mohd. Siraj to be part of 2nd test.
Australia vs India 2nd Test: After Australia thrashing India in the first test game by 8 wickets, the management is keen on making the forced changes into the final eleven for the second Test game. India saw a batting debacle in the first Test when Australia seamers outplayed the Indian batting lineup, restricting the visitors to just 39 runs in the 2nd innings.
This time the management is keen on making changes to the side for better results. The reports show that Prithwi Shaw and Wriddhiman Saha could be benched while Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant would be in their place.
Mohammad Siraj is likely to be called for Mohammad Shami’s replacement as he sustained a fracture in the first test.
Rishabh Pant to be included, MSK Prasad:
“Our management has a clear stance with Rishabh Pant being the first-choice wicketkeeper in countries like Australia and England. In India when you don’t need number six batsman then we can have the specialist wicketkeeper,” MSK Prasad told PTI.
“I think Pant has done enough work on his technique and fitness lately and looked in good touch during the practice game against Australia A. So I would agree with the team if they give Rishabh a chance in the next three tests.”
Indian management is also concerned about the opening, with Prithwi Shaw failing miserably India could choose young Shubman Gill as his replacement. India’s regular skipper will not be a part of the rest of the games and KL Rahul will be forced to come in and hold his place.
However, another blow came when Mohammad Shami was ruled out of the remainder of the Test series, Siraj who has been good in the practice game is likely to take his place in the remaining games.
In the meantime, Virat Kohli’s absence could bring Vihari up the order. “Hanuma Vihari has a very clinical techniques and temperament and he can serve Indian test side for a long time. In absence of Kohli, it would be a handy opportunity for Vihari and KL Rahul to come up and prove their mettle.”
“I would go for Vihari at Number 4 or 5 in the remaining test games. He is a good cricketer with sound technique and I feel he will do well if given the challenge to perform upfront. KL can be good at number 6 to the Indian team,” former chairman of selectors.
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