Indian Cricket Team would be booming with confidence after thrashing Sri Lanka & New Zealand and so far have looked ominous. Skipper Rohit Sharma though has a huge conundrum ahead of 1st Test match as to whether open the batting with out-of-form KL Rahul or with sensational Shubman Gill.
Aussies have a dangerous-looking batting lineup where once again onus would be on Steven Smith. The right-handed batter this time would bat at the No.4 position where he will have to guide the likes of Travis Head & Alex Carey against a dangerous spin attack.
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Graeme Smith on Opener’s Slot
Graeme Smith was having an interaction with PTI and was asked who should open with Rohit Sharma.
“That’s the problem in India. You have so much talent. How can you ignore KL Rahul? It’s not an easy call. Gill definitely has got the talent and the ability. But for a player to develop, it’s often about figuring out your strengths and weaknesses. As an opening batter in Test cricket, you probably need a slightly better defensive game and work on how you leave deliveries and be aware of the channels you want to play your shots,” said Graeme Smith.
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“Gill is too good a player not to be successful. I feel as he plays more Test matches, gains experience and learns about the longer version of the game, he will mature,” he added.
Critical Series for India
The Men in Blue should not forget that they have to clinch the series by 3-0 or 3-1 to stake a claim in the World Test Championship (WTC 2021-23) final. As mentioned by Graeme Smith, the hosts need someone who could play defensively and blunt the new ball.
It won’t be a surprise if the management apply horses for courses to defeat Aussies. The visitors undoubtedly are missing Starc & Hazlewood for the 1st Test match, but they can’t be taken lightly as they have a surprise element in them.
Also Read: IND vs AUS: “Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Would Be Tested”- Ramiz Raja Expects A Cracker Of Test Series
Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah
