Australia vs India 2018: 1st Test Match - India's Predicted Playing XI
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India will like to draw first blood in the first Test match against Australia to be played at Adelaide. The visitors have never savoured success on the Australian soil and it is speculated that it is a perfect chance for them to go all the way. Meanwhile, the warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI gave some hints about India’s playing XI. In fact, India’s opening woes were put to rest when Murali Vijay and KL Rahul got runs under their belt. We try to decode India’s Predicted Playing XI.

On the other hand, Australia will depend on the pace troika of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. The hosts will definitely miss the services of their talisman batsman Steven Smith and David Warner. However, batters like Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja will like to stand tall to the challenges.

Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first Test match.

Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay, Australia vs India 2018
Murali Vijay. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Murali Vijay was fortunate to get his chance after Prithvi Shaw’s injury. The flamboyant right-hander was able to make the most of his opportunity as he scored a fine hundred in the warm-up match.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul, Sanjay Bangar
KL Rahul. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

KL Rahul hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent past. However, the stylish batsman was able to get his confidence back after scoring a good knock of 62 runs. Thus, Rahul will like to tick the right boxes.

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Cheteshwar Pujara

Australia vs India 2018: 1st Test Match - India's Predicted Playing XI
Cheteshwar Pujara. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Cheteshwar Pujara is going to add solidarity with his experience. Pujara had also scored a fine fifty in the warm-up and would like to carry on with his form.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli | Steve Waugh | India vs Australia 2018 |
Virat Kohli. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Virat Kohli is going to hold the key for the Indian team. Kohli had a dream tour in 2014 and would like to repeat the same kind of magic in the four Test matches.

India will like to start strong.

Ajinkya Rahane 

Ajinkya Rahane, Indian Cricket Team
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Ajinkya Rahane had also scored a good half-century in the first innings in the warm-up. Rahane will like to be consistent with his performances on the Australian as he too had a good tour in 2014.

Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari, CA XI vs India 2018
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Hanuma Vihari is expected to take the number six batting position. Vihari had a good debut against England. Furthermore, he can provide handy overs of off-spin.

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Rishabh Pant 

Rishabh Pant
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Rishabh Pant had done a good job in the final Test match against England. Furthermore, he did a fine job against the Windies. Thus, Pant will like to hit the straps on his maiden Australia tour.

Ravichandran Ashwin

"Australia

India’s Ravichandran Ashwin is going to be visitor’s first choice spinner in the first Test match. Ashwin hasn’t had the best record in Australia and would like to turn the tables.

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Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma | Australia vs India 2018 |
Ishant Sharma. Image Courtesy: Getty

Ishant Sharma is on his fourth Down Under tour. Hence, there is heaps of experience. Ishant was India’s leading wicket-taker on England tour and would like to deliver the goods.

Mohammed Shami 

India Fast bowlers, Michael Holding
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Mohammed Shami had scalped three wickets in the practice match. Shami will like to bowl with fire as he was unfortunate on the England tour.

Jasprit Bumrah

Australia vs India 2018 | Jasprit Bumrah |
Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Jasprit Bumrah is going to hold the key for India. Bumrah has had a fine start in the red ball version and would aim to bring his best to the table in the Test series.

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