The long-awaited Test series between India and Australia is going to start with the first match in Perth today. The five-match series awaits both teams, but for the Indian camp, today’s series opener poses significant challenges as some key players, including regular skipper Rohit Sharma, are unavailable. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s ace pacer, has been handed the reins as stand-in skipper.

Though Bumrah remained tight-lipped about the playing XI, glimpses from practice sessions and media reports provide a fair idea about what the lineup might look like. Having some seasoned campaigners and young talents, India seems to have an opportune mix of balanced approach to face the strong Australian side.

Top Order: Jaiswal and Rahul to Open

India will have to make do without Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who has been injured. Two slots at the top will need to be reshuffled. Yashasvi Jaiswal, known for his explosive game, is likely to operate one of the slots. The left-handed Jaiswal, with an adventurous batting and bold stroke play, is the sort of young player who can give a match a decent beginning against the Australian bowlers.

At the top, along with Jaiswal, there should be the experienced KL Rahul. Rahul has often been criticized for inconsistency but there is no denying that he is someone who has shown he can adapt to different overseas conditions. On a Perth pitch, which can be quite pacey and bouncy, his solidity in the batting order and his ability to take care of the new ball will be important.

Middle Order: New Faces Step In

India could hand Devdutt Padikkal a debut at No.3. The young left-hander has staked his claim after a series of impressive performances in domestic cricket and warm-up matches. Padikkal’s composed batting style and the ability to anchor an innings will be tested against Australia’s quality pace attack.

In-form Virat Kohli would look to make amends for a lean series against New Zealand with a bit of batting at No. 4. Kohli would be crucial to India’s winning cause, both with bat and on the field, as fans and critics alike would want him to get back to his dominant self.

Rishabh Pant, India’s first-choice wicket-keeper, will bat at No. 5, Cricket’s ‘tsunamic’ assault can be described as an aggressive brand of cricket that does not allow the opposition to remain in the game. It was an aggressive brand that earned him those exploits during the 2021 Border-Gavaskar series. His experience in Australian conditions will help beef up the middle order.

India is likely to further strengthen their middle order with the inclusion of another young talent, Dhruv Jurel at No. 6. Jurel’s impressive batting in unofficial Test matches against Australia A has seemingly impressed the selectors. If included, it will be his debut and his ability to deliver under pressure will be under a scan.

All-rounders and Spinner: A Balanced Attack

The No. 7 spot should go to debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, another young bloke who provides depth to the batting order and can chip in with some handy overs if required. Inclusion like this while playing high-stakes matches speaks volumes for India’s faith in grooming new talent.

India is likely to play up veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the spin department. Though Ravindra Jadeja has been more often their go-to spinner in overseas conditions, Ashwin is a better bet for Perth because he can get bounce and variations on fast bouncy tracks. The battle between Ashwin and the Australian batters will be one of the key battles to watch.

The Pace Attack: Bumrah Leads the Charge

The pace bowling unit will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who will be captaining the team for the first time in Tests. Given that Bumrah is that rare breed of bowler who can turn out match-winning spells irrespective of conditions, his leadership skills will also go a long way in scripting the team’s fortunes.

Mohammad Siraj, who has been on a red-hot wicket, has definitely been given a green signal. Always consistent, Siraj has a knack for picking wickets at crucial times. His ability to reverse swing the ball in the later stages of the innings gives India an added dimension to their bowling.

The final place in the XI is likely to be taken by Akash Deep, who is a promising pacer from the gutsy, seam-extracting category. This will be his debut if he is picked, and there will be much interest in how he performs, as India searches for another sharp fast-bowling find.

Deciding Factors

• Adaptation to Perth Conditions: Perth is known for its fast and bouncy surface that will play to the strengths of pace bowlers. India’s pacers need to exploit these conditions, and the batsmen need to rise to the occasion to handle the extra bounce.

• Performance of Debutants: With as many as three possible debutants in the playing XI, their ability to cope with the pressure of facing a top-notch Australian side will be absolutely crucial.

• Kohli Forms: Virat Kohli, at No. 4, is a deciding factor for India’s batting fortune. His experience and playing long innings will come into play.

• Rishabh Pant’s Counter-Attack: Rishabh Pant’s counter-attacking ability could change games, but he has to balance that with responsibility.

• Ashwin Impact: Ashwin, with only one spinner in the setup, will be crucial to India’s endeavor of controlling runs and getting at least key wickets.

Conclusion

India’s likely XI in Perth for the 1st Test seems a mix of youngsters and experience. It is going to be a tough series without the usual exclusions of Rohit and Shubman Gill but at the same time, there are some fresh talents in Padikkal, Jurel, and Reddy whom it is their turn now.

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