Published: Dec 20, 2020, 01:41 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 20, 2020, 01:41 PM (IST)
India are set to make four changes in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia after being decimated by the hosts in inside three days in Adelaide. With captain Virat Kohli set to be unavailable for the remaining Tests, Ajinkya Rahane would lead the side in his absence. According to a report in India Today, India will make four changes to their XI at Melbourne Cricket Ground and there would be two forced changes.
According to the report, Shubman Gill will replace Prithvi Shaw at MCG after the Delhi Capitals batsman failed at Adelaide. Shaw scored 0 and 4 in the two innings of the Adelaide Test. Another change that is on the cards is Rishabh Pant – who hit a whirlwind 73-ball ton in the practice match – in place of Wriddhiman Saha – who did not live up to expectations during the Pink-ball Test.
Mohammad Siraj is all set for a Test debut where he will replace injured Mohammad Shami – who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series due to a fracture in his hand. Also, KL Rahul would regain his spot in the side in place of Kohli – who will be on paternity leave.
India’s Likely XI: Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav
Meanwhile, India was thrashed by eight wickets at Adelaide in a game where the tourists registered their lowest-ever total in a Test. India was bundled out for 36 runs, thanks to a fiery spell of fast bowling by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
India would look to bounce back at MCG, but it will not be easy against the formidable hosts who have a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series.
