“Nitish & Harshit debut for India; Sundar edges out Ashwin, Jadeja

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana debuted for India in the first Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Washington Sundar was picked as the lone spinner, preferred over veterans Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s stand-in skipper, opted to bat after winning the toss, expecting the pitch to offer pace and bounce.

KL Rahul opened the innings in Rohit Sharma’s absence as Rohit welcomed his second child. Devdutt Padikkal replaced Shubman Gill, sidelined by a thumb fracture, and will bat at No.3. The middle order featured Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel, who edged out Sarfaraz Khan for his recent performances in unofficial Tests.

Bumrah leads the pace attack with Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is set to contribute with both bat and ball.

Australia introduced Nathan McSweeney, who will open alongside Usman Khawaja. Steve Smith returned to his No.4 spot, supported by Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. Mitchell Marsh adds all-round depth, while Nathan Lyon spearheads the spin department. The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood round out their lineup.

At the toss, Bumrah expressed confidence in India’s preparation, recalling their 2018 Test experience at the venue. Cummins, content with bowling first, acknowledged the fierce rivalry between the two teams.

India’s XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj.
Australia’s XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

This Test promises high-paced action as both sides prepare for a fiercely contested series opener.