India begins the Perth Test without Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, as Jasprit Bumrah leads against a formidable Australia.
The much-awaited India-Australia 2024 Test series is all set to kick off on 22 November at the iconic WACA in Perth. However, Team India will miss the regular skipper Rohit Sharma and dynamic opening batsman Shubman Gill for the first Test. While Gill is taking a rest after fracturing his thumb during an intra-squad game, Rohit has decided to stay back in India to be with his wife Ritika Sajdeh, as they have just welcomed their second child baby boy. And it’s exactly this happy news that brings a personal win for the skipper amidst his professional commitments.
Absence of Rohit Sharma: A Big Blow for India
Stalwart Rohit Sharma, an unusual absentee from the side, will miss the first game in Perth as vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team against Australia. The series is often termed the summum bonum of Test cricket as it decides the winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As a captain, Bumrah will be leading India for the second time, having led them during their tour of England back in 2022.
The Indian think-tank has a couple of tricky decisions to make with India vs Australia live action only a couple of days away. They will be missing two key players, including their top opener, which will turn upside down India’s plans to get ahead early in the series.
Who Will Open in Rohit Sharma’s Place?
This Indian side is likely to be led by an exciting young left-hander named Yashasvi Jaiswal, who can open. The second slot remains somewhat up in the air. Strong contenders include Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal, both of whom have enjoyed domestic consistency: Easwaran and Padikkal’s recent century for India A keeps them in the mix. If a debutant opens with Jaiswal, KL Rahul could slot in at No. 3.
This reshuffling has led to tremendous talk in the cricketing world, with the India-Australia Test in Perth set to be a very intriguing contest.
Middle Order: A Test of Experience and Grit
Much will depend on Kohli and Pant from the middle order. Pant is known for his fearless batting, and he has an excellent record in Australia as well, especially having scored a historic century at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Dhruv Jurel was impressive during the unofficial Tests and looks likely to make his presence felt at No. 6 with a mix of stability and aggression.
Ravindra Jadeja adds the all-round balance to the side. He could be the team’s lone spinner on a fast-paced WACA pitch.
India will look to expose the bouncing Perth track with its fast bowling contingent, bolstered by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Both Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, uncapped so far, are fighting it out for the fourth seamer’s slot, and the return of Akash Deep will strengthen their attack. Their success will be vital in restricting the star-studded Australian batting order led by Pat Cummins.
Hope in Adelaide and Beyond
Test at Perth- A sterner challenge for both the teams- The Test marks the beginning of the competition. Both nations anxiously await this test, and spectators await India vs Australia live coverage. Hopes will increase as Rohit Sharma also returns in time for the practice game against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI before the second Test in Adelaide.
Conclusion
The Perth Test offers a fresh narrative as Rohit Sharma’s absence coincides with the arrival of his son, a joyous moment for the Sharma family. Under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy, India has the opportunity to showcase its bench strength and adaptability. This clash against a formidable Australian side will undoubtedly keep cricket enthusiasts hooked, making the India vs Australia Test series a must-watch spectacle.
