Published: Dec 20, 2018, 04:50 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 20, 2018, 04:50 PM (IST)
The marquee four-match Border-Gavaskar Test series stands evenly poised after the hosts sealed a series-levelling victory in Perth against India. Both teams now head to Melbourne for the third Test which begins on Boxing Day.
While India faced severe backlash for their selection procedure after the Perth defeat, problems have risen manifold after Prithvi Shaw – a sure shot opener – was ruled out of the series failing to regain complete fitness post his ankle injury.
Here’s the full squad for the remaining two Tests
With KL Rahul’s complete dip in form, the opening combination will be a major conundrum for the think tank which will also have to mull the possibility of bringing back a spinner for the MCG Test on a surface, which reports suggest, will be batting friendly.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, believes Australia, who now have the momentum after securing a win – their first since the ball-tampering scandal – can clinch the series. Vaughan, who has been doing commentary Down Under, predicted that offspinner Nathan Lyon will be the difference between the two sides.
Lyon was the Man of the Match in Perth after picking up eight wickets. “Final thought as I leave Aussie … Australia will Win the series … Lyon is going to prove to be the difference … #AUSvIND … Anyway back to the cold … See you all down under in early jan @FoxCricket,” Vaughan tweeted on Thursday.
Final thought as I leave Aussie … Australia will Win the series … Lyon is going to prove to be the difference … #AUSvIND … Anyway back to the cold … See you all down under in early jan @FoxCricket
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 20, 2018
Meanwhile, former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes India have the firepower to win the remaining two Tests – on Boxing Day at Melbourne and January 3 at Sydney.
Lots of talk going around in media specially Australian .. watch out for india against this australia ..still two tests to go and india can win both.. don’t go too far ahead everyone @bcci
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) December 19, 2018
TRENDING NOW
“Lots of talk going around in media specially Australian .. watch out for india against this australia ..still two tests to go and india can win both.. don’t go too far ahead everyone @bcci,” Ganguly wrote on Twitter.
