Bumrah To Give Debut To KKR Star; India's Winning Combination For 1st BGT Test

Anurag Dasgupta

Harshit Rana to debut for India [Source: @Irfy_Pathaan56/X.Com] Harshit Rana to debut for India [Source: @Irfy_Pathaan56/X.Com]

The wait is almost over as we are less than 24 hours away from the start of the Border-Gavaskar series, with the first Test match taking place at the Perth Stadium. The series is of utmost importance for India who need to beat the Aussies, 4-0 to qualify for the WTC finals.

Even before the start of the series, India have been jolted with the news that Rohit Sharma won't be available for the first Test due to the birth of his child. In his place, ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side.

Moreover, there are injury setbacks as well, with Shubman Gill ruled out due to a left thumb injury. Plus, form of some of the key players will also be a major worry for the newly appointed captain as India embark on a gruelling tour of Australia. With a riveting series to start, we look at India's possible winning combination for the Perth Test.

An inexperienced batting lineup led by Virat Kohli

With no Rohit and Gill in the lineup, India will field an inexperienced batting lineup, comprising of Yashasvi Jaiswal and potentially KL Rahul as his opening partner. Devdutt Padikkal is likely to bat at number 3, followed by the most experienced player of the side - Virat Kohli.

Dhruv Jurel impressed everyone in the unofficial Test match against Australia A and will play as a pure batter, followed by another crowd favourite and Australia's nemesis - Rishabh Pant.

R Ashwin - the lone spinner

As per reports, India will field just a solitary spinner in R Ashwin. Australia have too many left-handers and as a result, due to the tactical battle, Team India will leave out Ravindra Jadeja.

Harshit Rana to debut as India to field 3 pacers

With no Mohammad Shami in the side, and Mohammed Siraj out of form, India are likely to go with Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana as the three main pacers.

Harshit has been practicing hit the deck bowling during the nets and Gambhir understands his game. Hence, there could be a possibility that Harshit gets the debut cap as he tries and cement his place in the side.

India's likely XI for Perth Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Akash Deep, Harshit Rana