It was a horrendous outing for the Indian batters after they were bundled out for a paltry score of 36 in the 2nd innings of the first Test in Adelaide. Going into the second Test at the Boxing Day in Melbourne, the Indian team management needs to find more than a few answers pertaining to their apt playing XI for the 2nd Test. And especially with Virat Kohli not available for the last 3 Tests, the task is even tougher for the leadership group to recover from the drubbing against Australia in the first Test.
Mohammad Shami ruled out due to fractured arm: Reports
It has been learned that premier fast bowler Mohammad Shami has been ruled out from the remainder of the Test series against Australia pertaining to a fractured arm. It comes as a huge blow when India is already behind in the four-match series. Shami, who was hit straight into the arm after facing a sharp bouncer from Pat Cummins, failed to resume his batting innings. It is likely that Mohammad Siraj is likely to be roped into the Indian Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test in place of Shami.
Four changes expected in the Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test
With a tough task in hand, the Indian team will have to make some bold decisions in their playing XI for the 2nd Test against Australia. India has a couple of forced changes in the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test starting December 26. If the reports are to be believed, KL Rahul is in contention to replace Kohli at the No.4 spot while Siraj is all but confirmed to make his debut in the Boxing Day Test.
A struggling Prithvi Shaw is all set to make way for Shubman Gill at the top of the order. Shaw's apparent weakness against the incoming ball was quite evident in both the innings against the Aussie quicks. On the other hand, many believed that Gill should have in any case started for India as an opener even in the first Test. The Punjab-opener looked compact with his technique in both the tour games against Australia A. If Gill is selected in the India Playing XI, he will make his Test debut in the Melbourne Test.
The last change could also see Wriddhiman Saha being replaced by Rishabh Pant as an attacking wicket-keeping option in the playing XI. After exploring all the available options, we attempt to predict India's playing XI for the Boxing Day Test which might also help users in winning at the best apps for cricket betting during the 2nd Test match.
India's Predicted Playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia
Mayank Agarwal
Shubman Gill
Cheteshwar Pujara
Ajinkya Rahane (C)
KL Rahul
Hanuma Vihari
Rishabh Pant (Wk)
Ravichandran Ashwin
Umesh Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammad Siraj
