India’s lineup for the first Test against Australia in Perth is taking shape amidst injury setbacks. Shubman Gill, ruled out due to a left thumb injury sustained during a net session, will miss the match. Reports suggest that the team management has added Devdutt Padikkal to the main squad and assigned him the number three spot.
Padikkal, who initially stayed back in Australia while Ruturaj Gaikwad returned to India, appears poised to make his away Test debut. He made his Test debut earlier this year during the England series, impressing with his form but was later overlooked for tours to Bangladesh and New Zealand. With Gill sidelined, the team management has decided to utilize Padikkal to stabilize the batting order.
Yash Dayal, another reserve player, will not feature in the XI but remains with the squad as a traveling reserve. For the pace-heavy conditions in Perth, India is likely to field Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and either Mohammed Siraj or debutant Harshit Rana in their three-pronged pace attack.
Nitish Kumar Reddy will make his Test debut as a seam-bowling all-rounder, strengthening the pace unit. Ravichandran Ashwin takes charge as the sole spinner, while Ravindra Jadeja misses out on the XI for this match.
India’s squad adjustments highlight their focus on addressing the conditions and injury challenges. The team will aim to start strong in Perth, leveraging fresh talent alongside their experienced players in a highly anticipated series opener.
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