Sundar To Join Jadeja; Bumrah To Have...? India's Probable Boxing Day Test Bowling Attack

Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah (Source: AP Photos)

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground is all prepped up as it prepares to host India and Australia for the fourth Test, the Boxing Day Test, from Thursday, 26 December onwards. The highly-awaited clash features some notable changes in India's playing XI, especially considering their plans have not worked in their favour in the last two clashes.

In this article, we specifically discuss the changes India will be making to its bowling line-up. The most significant factor defining this change would be the severely hot weather conditions that the city of Melbourne has experienced.

It is expected that the Rohit Sharma-led Test side will use a combination of two spinners and three pacers, keeping in mind the torrid temperatures at the MCG. The excessive heat wave conditions at the venue won't allow pacers to bowl for a longer period; hence, India would want to have multiple options on board to tackle the issue.

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Sundar-Jadeja To Unleash Deadly Spin Attack 

Washington Sundar, who last played for India in the Perth Test, could once again be seen returning to the playing XI. In two innings, he contributed 33 runs with the bat at No. 7 and picked up two wickets at a strike rate of 51. He has been a guaranteed wicket-taker for India. His inclusion at the venue that offers overspin is a win-win for the team. Additionally, Sundar is putting more effort into getting more revolutions with the ball of late.

Ravindra Jadeja would be next in line, keeping the scheme of things in mind. At the moment, it is not just from the bowling perspective, but captain Rohit Sharma would also be considering adding batting depth to the line-up, considering that the top-order has lacked lustre. Jadeja is the perfect inclusion to the team, as seen in the third Test at The Gabba; the 36-year-old all-rounder slammed a valiant 77 runs, which were crucial for India as the game was eventually drawn. Hence, having someone like Jadeja, who should be called a batting all-rounder instead of a bowling all-rounder, would benefit the visitors. In the same game, Jadeja also picked up a wicket.

Bumrah - India's Biggest MVP

In the pace bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah, India's biggest MVP, can once again be seen taking the lead when knocking over wickets. In just six innings, the right-arm fast bowler has scalped 21 wickets at a strike rates 25. In only 20 days, unstoppable Bumrah picked two five-wicket hauls. He has not gone wicket-less in a single game, further showcasing his tactical ability. 

While Mohammad Siraj has been out of touch, he is unlikely to be dropped. He has picked up 13 wickets from six games but leaked runs like a running tap. Moreover, after Akash Deep's heroics in the last game, he, too, will be part of the Indian bowling arsenal. Melbourne's pitch has also shown assistance to skiddy bowlers, and who better than Akash Deep with the new ball in hand and attacking against the mighty Australians?

Lastly, after Harshit Rana's disastrous outing in the Pink Ball Test, in which he conceded 86 runs without picking up a wicket, it is highly unexpected that Rohit Sharma and co. would opt for him for this Test, considering they have options. 

India's Probable XI For 4th Test vs Australia: 

Yashasvi Jaiswal,Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy/ Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

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