Perth, Nov 22 (UNI) India have opted to bat first after winning the toss in a much-anticipated Test match against Australia at the Optus Stadium here on Friday.
The game holds special significance for debutants on both sides, with India handing maiden Test caps to Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Australia’s Nathan McSweeney is set to make his debut at the top of the order.
Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat, emphasising confidence in the team’s preparation and understanding of the conditions. “We are going to bat first, looks like a good wicket. We played a Test here in 2018, so we know what to expect. Nitish makes his debut. We have four quicks, and Washi is the lone spinner,” Bumrah said.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also expressed satisfaction with his side’s readiness, stating, “We were 50-50, either way we are pretty happy. Feel well placed, pretty fresh. Any format we (India-Australia) play seems fiercely fought.”
Senior players Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli presented caps to the Indian debutants, while McSweeney’s debut for Australia adds intrigue to the contest. With India’s decision to bat first and both sides featuring promising newcomers, the stage is set for an electrifying encounter.
Teams:
India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj.
Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (w), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
