In just a few hours India and Australia will go head to head in the biggest battle in test cricket. Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins will head out and play for the ultimate prize which is the World Test Championship. India is ranked number 1 side in the world, while Australia is currently in the number 2 place in the test rankings. The fans are widely waiting in anticipation as there is huge excitement about the Indian potential playing XI.
BCCI’s social media post causes fan frenzy –
The Board of Control for Cricket in India left the fans going crazy with their latest social media post. Taking to Instagram the Indian cricketing body posted what looked like the 11 players who could be playing the game on Wednesday. If the pictures are anything to go by then India could be pulling in a double surprise as far as the playing XI is concerned.
Ishan Kishan to make his test debut?
KS Bharat made his test debut earlier this year during the home series against Australia. The 29 year old was impressive in bits with the bat and did a decent job with the gloves as the main wicket keeper. If the BCCI pictures are anything to go by then Ishan Kishan could be making his test debut at Oval on Wednesday.
Three spinners strategy for India?
As per the social media post, Mohammad Siraj and Mohammad Shami were the only two pacer highlighted. There was no Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav or Shardul Thakur in picture. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravi Jadeja and Axar Patel were profiled which gave a likely hint that India could perhaps unbelievably play 3 spinners.
Ajinkya Rahane all but confirmed to make his return to the XI –
After an impressive Ranji season with the bat and an equally good IPL, Rahane was called back into the Indian side. As per coach Rahul Dravid, the inclusion of the Mumbai batter isn’t a one off. In the BCCI’s social media picture, Rahane was one of the players to highlighted.
The likely Indian XI as per BCCI’s social media post –
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammad Siraj and Mohammad Shami.