4th Test: Washington Sundar Steps in for Gill as Australia Chooses to Bat First Against India
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Melbourne, Dec 26 (NationPress) Washington Sundar, an off-spin all-rounder, takes over from Shubman Gill as Australia won the coin toss and decided to bat first against India during the Boxing Day Test at the crowded Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.
The series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, consisting of five matches, is currently locked at 1-1. With Gill sidelined, India's captain Rohit Sharma has positioned himself at the third spot. Sundar now serves as India's second spin bowling option at Melbourne, joining left-arm spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. This also means that India now fields three all-rounders: Sundar, Jadeja, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
“We would have batted as well; it looks like a good wicket. The series stands at 1-1, and there is a lot at stake. This presents us with an excellent opportunity to showcase our team. No matter what challenges arise, we must fight. It’s a fresh day, and we are excited for it. Yes, I will (bat at the top of the order),” stated Rohit.
On the other hand, Australia, having won their first toss of the series, witnessed teenage opener Sam Konstas receive Baggy Green cap number 468 from former Test captain Mark Taylor, stepping into the playing eleven in place of Nathan McSweeney.
With a sweltering temperature and a pitch conducive to seam bowling, Konstas will face a challenging debut against Jasprit Bumrah from the outset of the match. Additionally, Australia has reinstated Scott Boland to replace Josh Hazlewood, who is out for the rest of the series due to a calf injury sustained in the Brisbane Test.
"The pitch appears promising. There’s a bit of grass, reminiscent of an older MCG wicket, and it seems solid. The sun is shining, and with the series at 1-1, this is what everyone anticipated. It’s been an exceptional series thus far. Growing up in Australia, after a good night’s sleep following Christmas, you eagerly await the first ball," he remarked.
Playing XIs
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland
