NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin‘s inclusion in India’s playing XI stole the spotlight as captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first in the second day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.
Ashwin, India’s veteran spinner, replaced Washington Sundar as part of three changes to the side that played in Perth. The off-spinner’s return adds an experienced spin option to the bowling attack on a dry pitch with grass covering.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 2nd Test
Speaking after the toss, Rohit Sharma highlighted the strategic adjustments: “We are going to bat first. Looks a good pitch, a bit dry at the moment, enough grass covering as well. Ashwin is back; I am back. Shubman Gill is also back. I am batting in the middle order.”
Ashwin’s return is seen as a tactical move, given the pink ball’s tendency to aid spinners under lights in Australian conditions.
Sharma’s return to the middle order bolsters India’s batting lineup, while Shubman Gill replaced Devdutt Padikkal to strengthen the top order.
Australia, meanwhile, made one forced change, bringing in Scott Boland for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Skipper Pat Cummins noted the challenge of the pink ball: “It’s always good to have a fresh start. The pink ball can be a little different. Just one change: Josh Hazlewood misses out, and Scott Boland comes in.”
With India looking to build on their momentum from Perth and Australia eager to level the series, Ashwin’s inclusion might play a pivotal role in shaping the contest under the lights.
Playing XIs for Pink-Ball Test
- India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
- Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland