2nd Test: Rohit, Gill, Ashwin Return as India Choose to Bat First Against Australia in Adelaide

Adelaide, Dec 6 (NationPress) Captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ravichandran Ashwin are reinstated into India’s playing eleven as the visitors won the toss and chose to bat first against Australia in the day-night Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

India is currently leading the five-match series 1-0, after a comprehensive victory in the series opener in Perth by 295 runs. Rohit, who missed the Perth Test due to the arrival of his second child, will bat at the number six position, while Gill will take his regular number three spot and Ashwin will serve as India’s sole specialist spinner.

The trio replaces Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar. "This pitch looks promising. It appears somewhat dry but has sufficient grass covering. I have been here for two weeks and am ready to play now.

"The atmosphere is uplifting and vibrant. The performance in Perth was exceptional. It’s a lengthy series, and we aim to execute most aspects correctly. The fast bowlers are pleased with the extended break between Tests. We want to build upon our last performance.

"I believe there will be some bounce for the fast bowlers, but as the game progresses, it will improve for batting and present opportunities for everyone. Batting in the middle order is different for me, but I am prepared for the challenge," he stated.

Australia confirmed their only change prior to the match: Seamer Scott Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood, who is sidelined due to a side strain.

Australia remains unbeaten in their seven pink-ball matches held in Adelaide, while India is participating in a day-night Test match for the first time since March 2022.

"That’s correct (we would have preferred to bat first). On day one with the pink ball, there might be some movement for us. It’s beneficial to have a fresh start. This is a venue we truly enjoy playing at. The pink ball can behave differently compared to the red ball. Everyone can reflect on their past successes. We weren’t at our best last week, but we are eager to get out there," stated skipper Pat Cummins.

Playing XIs-

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland