Image Source : GETTY IMAGES Rishabh Pant
A bruised and battered Indian crew will line up towards hosts Australia at an intimidating venue — The Gabba — the place the Kangaroos have not misplaced since 1988. India have by no means received a Test at The Gabba, plunging the injury-ravaged touring aspect into additional distress. More than turning the tables in Brisbane, the Ajinkya Rahane-led aspect will probably be aiming for a draw, particularly when the touring get together’s dressing room resembles a hospital ward.
After enduring a horror batting collapse within the Test collection opener in Adelaide, the Indian crew has put up spectacular performances in Melbourne and Sydney, particularly once they have been compelled to resort to their bench.
As India prepares for the fourth and ultimate Test, skipper Rahane and head coach Ravi Shastri will probably be scratching their heads earlier than placing the very best XI on the bottom. While India’s tempo spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, continues to be being monitored by the crew administration, Ravindra Jadeja has been dominated out of the collection.
To rub salt to the aspect’s health woes, Mayank Agarwal was hit on the forearm in nets and Ashwin has been battling again spasms. SCG hero Hanuma Vihari, reportedly, has additionally been dominated out of the Brisbane Test following a Grade 2 hamstring tear.
“We will take a call tomorrow. The medical team is working with all the injured players. If Bumrah is fit, he plays, if he is not fit, he doesn’t play,” batting coach Vikram Rathour mentioned on the pre-match convention.
After a gutsy and awe-inspiring present in Sydney, the fourth Test will probably be nothing however a ‘flight for glory’ for the visiting aspect.
With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill not being part of the damage listing, the crew administration will not be fascinating in tweaking the opener. If Agarwal is deemed match, he might bat at No.3 place, adopted by Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahane.
After Rishabh Pant’s quick-fire 97 within the third Test, he’ll possible be entrusted to bolster the center order, particularly after Vihari’s oust. India might additionally play solely 4 bowlers as an alternative of 5, selecting Prithvi Shaw or Wriddhiman Saha instead of injured Jadeja.
Washington Sundar might additionally make his Test debut as a like-for-like substitute of Jadeja. If the crew administration decides to go along with Saha, Pant will possible be stripped of wicketkeeping duties.
While the batting set-up appears to be like first rate, it is the bowling assault which might let India down on a bouncy Gabba wicket. The inexperienced duo of Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini will lead the tempo battery, with Shardul Thakur coming within the aspect because the third pacer. A naive bowling unit will tackle the likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner. However, if Ashwin passes the health check, the veteran will probably be on the helm in Brisbane.
India’s Predicted Playing XI for fourth Test: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur/Jasprit Bumrah
Australia’s Playing XI: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (c & wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
