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Harshit Rana, Nitish Reddy To Debut As India Opt To Bat First In BGT Opener

India vs Australia - (Source:@Johns/X.com)India vs Australia - (Source:@Johns/X.com)

In the first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the visitors have won the toss and opted to bat first. It is a crucial Test for both teams from WTC point of view and India would look for their first Test win at the Optus Stadium. 

Talking about the Indian side, Harshit Rana is all set to make his India debut, while Nitish Reddy is making his Test debut as Virat Kohli presented him the cap before the start of the match. Meanwhile, R Ashwin presented the India cap to Harshit.

Meanwhile, India have opted to go with Washington Sundar as the lone spinner and left out Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin from the playing XI. Also, Shubman Gill misses out because of a thumb injury he sustained during match simulation practice. 

For Australia, Nathan McSweeney will make his debut and open the innings with Usman Khawaja. Rest, they are going with their regular players which features the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. 

Playing XI Of Both Teams

India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Lokesh Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Captains' Thoughts

Jasprit Bumrah: 'It loooks a great wicket and we will look to bat first. We have four seam options with Nitish Reddy. Washington Sundar is our lone spinner'.

Pat Cummins: "Nathan McSweeney makes his Test debut. He will bat at the top of the order. The rest of the team has the same regulars."