India are facing a selection headache for the second Test against Australia and it became more clouded on Sunday night.
After a dominant win in the series opener, the tourists are now set to welcome back a host of key players for the pink-ball clash at Adelaide Oval.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill both returned to the field against the Prime Minister’s XI over the weekend in a bid to push themselves back into the Test lineup.
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Gill scored a half-century before retiring not-out, but the skipper Sharma didn’t have the same type of joy at Manuka Oval.
Shubman Gill in action at Manuka Oval. Getty
Sharma was dismissed for 3 by Charlie Anderson, continuing a lean trot for the big-hitting veteran that will give selectors some concern.
The issue for India will be fitting everybody into the team for the second Test and what the top six looks like, assuming the captain is a lock to return to the fold.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is coming off a match-winning century in Perth and can’t be dropped, while KL Rahul batted well in both innings and should remain in the team.
Sharma could slot into the middle-order and Gill takes the No.3 spot, allowing both openers from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener to remain.
“Rohit Sharma’s form was one of the key points in this match, and he interestingly came in at number four,” a report from The Hindustan Times said.
Rohit Sharma returned for India against the Prime Minister’s XI. Getty
“With struggles against seam and the new ball, he would have been hoping for some solid runs, but it wasn’t to be for him as his torrid spell continued.
“A spot of concern for Rohit, and continued questions about his batting position.”
As it stands, Devkutt Paddikal and Dhruv Jurel loom as the casualties for India.
From a bowling perspective, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are both a chance of returning to the side, but the latter did not feature in Canberra.
Earlier, young gun Sam Konstas sent a timely reminder to Aussie selectors, scoring his third century of the season off just 90 balls.
Sam Konstas raises the bat against India. Getty
The 19-year-old was overlooked for the Test squad for the first two games but remains in the mix for a call-up during the summer.
The hosts posted 240 in the reduced contest, with India chasing it five down.
The second Test will begin on Friday afternoon.
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2024-12-01 14:45:47