India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first in the second day-night Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval on Friday. The match follows India’s impressive 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth.
However, Australia has a strong record at this venue, winning all seven pink-ball Tests played at Adelaide Oval.
Key Moments from the Toss
Rohit Sharma, who missed the Perth Test due to the birth of his second child, explained his decision:
“The pitch looks good. It seems a bit dry right now but has enough grass covering. There will be something in it for everyone,” he remarked.
India’s Team News
India has retained Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as the openers after their solid performance in the first Test. Shubman Gill returns to the side at No. 3 after recovering from a fractured thumb. To make room for him, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel step aside.
Experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, with 536 Test wickets, replaces Washington Sundar in the playing XI after being benched in the previous game.
Australia’s Lineup
Australia announced their playing XI on Thursday. Scott Boland replaces injured pacer Josh Hazlewood. Australian captain Pat Cummins commented on the pitch:
“Day one under the pink ball might offer some movement for us,” he said, noting the pitch’s green tinge.
Squads for the Second Test
India Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Australia Playing XI:
Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Match Officials
- On-field umpires: Richard Illingworth (England) and Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand)
- TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (England)
- Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
