India gets 2nd debut, big change at No. 3 vs Australia – big claim in report

According to a report in The Indian Express, fast bowler Harshit Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy are all set to make their Test debut for India in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Friday. The report further claims that neither Ravichandran Ashwin nor Ravindra Jadeja will play the first Test match in Perth. Washington Sundar is expected to play as a spin option in his place. When it comes to the batting department, KL Rahul is expected to open the innings along with Yashasvi Jaiswal while Devdutt Padikkal will bat at No. 3 as Shubman Gill will be out due to injury.

India captain Rohit Sharma is set to reunite with his team in Australia on November 24 in Perth for the third day of the first Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Rohit's departure was delayed due to personal reasons, as he and his wife Ritika Sajdeh had celebrated the birth of their second child, a baby boy, on 15 November.

While the Indian team left for Australia in three batches between November 9 and 11, Rohit chose to stay back in India to be with his family. His late arrival means he will miss the first Test starting on Friday at Optus Stadium in Perth. However, the Indian captain will be available for the second Test to be held at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10.

Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, named in the squad, will lead the Indian team in the Perth Test and Pat Cummins will captain Australia, making it a rare occasion when two bowlers will lead their respective sides in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Meanwhile, as part of his preparations for the Adelaide Test, Rohit will take part in a two-day day-night practice match between the India A team and Prime Minister's XI. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the matches to be held at Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 30 and December 1 will give Rohit an opportunity to adapt to the Australian conditions and regain match fitness.

The delay in Rohit's trip to Australia was the subject of intense speculation in the cricket world. With the team already facing challenges due to injuries and absences, including Shubman Gill's thumb injury and Jasprit Bumrah's role as stand-in captain, there were concerns about when the captain would join the team. Will be.

India's probable XI for the first test against Australia: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (captain).

(With IANS inputs)