Not Mohammed Shami: India call RCB pacer for BGT as Australia prepare green top in Perth

The pitch for the first Test between India and Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been revealed, and an image has been circulating on social media. Meanwhile, the Indian team management has added a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer to their squad ahead of the Test match.

India is coming off a disappointing 3-0 series loss to New Zealand at home. They are currently preparing for the high-voltage five-match series in Australia. This series is crucial for the visiting team to keep their chances alive for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, set to be played at Lord's.

Perth Pitch for India vs Australia First Test Match Revealed

As India prepares to face Australia, the pitch for the series opener in Perth has gained attention. The first Test match between India and Australia is set to be played at Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on Friday, Nov 22. The wicket is expected to pose a challenge for India, considering its pace and bounce.

Reputed media outlet RevSportz revealed images of the pitch at Perth Stadium. The surface contains live grass, around 8-10 mm. During Australia's training on November 18, the pitch appeared green and well-watered. However, some of the grass is expected to be trimmed before the upcoming Test match.

The Perth pitch is expected to favor fast bowlers with pace, bounce, and seam movement, especially with the new ball. However, batting may become easier as the Kookaburra ball softens. Both teams could include one spinner in their playing XI, despite the conditions favoring fast bowlers in Perth.

Team India is out in the middle to start their training at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and several other players and coaching staff took a look at what looks like a GREEN TRACK 👀#AUSvIND #BGT pic.twitter.com/DEthIRGaPd

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 19, 2024

Yash Dayal in Australia for Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

According to RevSportz, Yash Dayal has been called up to Australia ahead of the series opener. RevSportz journalist Subhayan Chakraborty confirmed that Dayal is in Australia. However, there is no confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors regarding his inclusion.

Jasprit Bumrah will lead the Indian bowling attack, comprising Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana. In addition to these five pacers, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed have also been included as reserves. Nitish Kumar Reddy can also contribute with the ball.

Yash Dayal Yet to Make His Debut for Team India

It is worth mentioning that Yash Dayal is yet to make his debut for the India team in any format. Dayal was included in the squad for the Bangladesh series but dropped for the subsequent home series against New Zealand. He also didn’t get a chance during the recently concluded T20I series in South Africa.

The Indian selectors didn't pick pacer Mohammed Shami for the highly anticipated series. Shami recently made his comeback to professional cricket during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Madhya Pradesh, where he picked up seven wickets. He could join the team for the latter half of the series.

Also read: Mohammed Shami rejected by BCCI for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 despite Ranji Trophy heroics