The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is set to ignite passions as India takes on Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, December 6. With India leading 1-0 after a historic 295-run win in Perth, both teams are eager to make a statement. India aims to consolidate its lead, while Australia looks to bounce back at their fortress in Adelaide, where they boast a perfect record in Pink Ball Tests.
India’s Update: Rohit Sharma’s Return Adds Depth
India enters this match with a strategic boost. Rohit Sharma, returning to the squad after missing the first Test, will take over captaincy duties from Jasprit Bumrah. His leadership and middle-order stability are expected to bolster the team.
Key Changes:
- Rohit Sharma’s Inclusion: He strengthens the middle order for the first time since 2018, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal retaining their opening spots.
- Shubman Gill at No. 3: The promising batter replaces Devdutt Padikkal, adding consistency to the top order.
- Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana: India continues with its blend of youth and experience in the bowling and all-rounder departments.
Australia’s Challenge: Hazlewood Out, Boland In
Australia faces a major blow as star pacer Josh Hazlewood is sidelined with a side strain. Hazlewood, a key figure in Pink Ball conditions, will be replaced by Scott Boland, who brings discipline but lacks Hazlewood’s match-winning prowess.
Australia’s Strengths:
- Pink Ball Dominance: Australia has won 11 out of 12 Day/Night Tests, including a commanding eight-wicket win over India in Adelaide in 2020, where India was bowled out for a mere 36 runs.
- Home Fortress: At Adelaide, Australia has won all seven Pink Ball matches, maintaining an impeccable record.
However, without Hazlewood, Australia’s bowling attack will rely heavily on Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon to exploit the swing and seam of the Pink Ball.
Likely Playing XIs
India’s Predicted XI:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
India’s lineup reflects a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talents, aiming for adaptability and resilience in challenging conditions.
Australia’s Predicted XI:
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Australia’s batting lineup remains formidable, led by Smith, Labuschagne, and Head, while their bowling attack will look to thrive under lights.
Key Battles to Watch
- Jasprit Bumrah vs Marnus Labuschagne: Bumrah’s ability to swing the Pink Ball under lights could test Labuschagne’s patience and technique.
- Mitchell Starc vs KL Rahul and Jaiswal: Starc, with 61 Pink Ball wickets, remains the biggest threat to India’s top order.
- Rohit Sharma vs Nathan Lyon: Lyon’s accuracy will challenge Rohit in his return to the middle order.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
- Pitch: The Adelaide Oval offers early movement for pacers, especially under lights, but remains a good batting wicket once the ball softens. The Pink Ball’s extra swing and seam will test batters during twilight hours.
- Weather: Thunderstorms are predicted on Days 1 and 5, which could disrupt play. However, Days 2-4 are expected to have clear skies, favoring uninterrupted action.
Fantasy Picks for Dream11
Top Players to Watch:
- Batsmen:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: India’s young opener has been in fine form.
- Virat Kohli: Known for stepping up in big games.
- Travis Head: A dependable run-scorer for Australia.
- All-rounders:
- Washington Sundar: Adds value with both bat and ball.
- Mitchell Marsh: A game-changer in key moments.
- Bowlers:
- Jasprit Bumrah (C): The leader of India’s attack.
- Mitchell Starc (VC): A lethal weapon with the Pink Ball.
- Mohammed Siraj: Known for extracting bounce and movement.
Prediction: Who Will Prevail?
India enters with momentum, but Australia’s unmatched dominance in Pink Ball Tests cannot be ignored.
- India’s Strengths: Momentum from their first Test win, a balanced XI, and Bumrah’s form.
- Australia’s Advantage: Pink Ball expertise, home conditions, and their batting depth.
The match could swing either way, but India’s confidence and ability to adapt to conditions might edge out Australia’s Pink Ball mastery. Expect a closely contested game that could go down to the wire.
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