Australia vs India 2018: 2nd Test, Perth - Australia's Predicted XI

Updated - 11 Dec 2018, 09:14 PM

Australia vs India 2018/19, Perth Test, Australia's Predicted XI

Here is Australia's predicted XI for the Perth Test. Image Courtesy: Getty

Table of Contents

It wasn’t a great game for Australia in the first Test in Adelaide, as they lost by 31 runs. However, the hosts would be hoping to put on a show at the Perth Stadium to equal the series scoreline, starting December 14th. Meanwhile, we figured out Australia’s predicted XI for the 2nd Test of the series at Optus Stadium, Perth.

Here are they:

1. Aaron Finch:

Aaron Finch, Australia's Predicted XI, Australia vs India 2018 — Aaron Finch (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Aaron Finch looked clueless when he faced the new ball against Ishant Sharma. He got clean bowled in the first innings and almost registered a king pair.

However, Ishant’s love affair with no-ball saved him. Despite failing in the first Test, it seems like Australian management would like to give one more crack for Aaron Finch at the opening slot.

2. Marcus Harris:

The youngster got the starts in both innings of the game. However, unfortunately, he failed to capitalise on both occasions. Well, the upcoming Test would be his best chance to prove that he belongs to the international level of cricket. Most probably, he would be opening for Australia once again in the second Test of the series in Perth.

3. Usman Khawaja:

Usman Khawaja. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Usman Khawaja was pretty much determined in staying at the crease for Australia in Adelaide. However, the continuous pressure from the Indians made Usman Khawaja come out of his comfort zone, which made him stay on the wrong side of things. However, he is a key player, and the management would hope big things from him in Perth.

4. Shaun Marsh:

Shaun Marsh, Australia vs India 2018, Jasprit Bumrah — Shaun Marsh. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The stylish southpaw saved his position in the side by knocking a gutsy 60 in the second innings in Adelaide. However, Shaun failed to carry-on and missed out a golden opportunity to make things happen for Australia. However, Marsh is going to be a confirmed player in the playing XI and got a lot of burden on him to deliver the goods.

5. Travis Head:

Virat Kohli, Team India DRS, Australia vs India 2018, India — Travis Head. (Credits – Twitter)

The left-handed batsman has been brilliant in the first innings in Adelaide. He was the only one batsman, who looked comfortable in tackling the Indian bowling attack, but unfortunately, Travis Head got majestic deliveries to dismiss him. Well, he is another sure shot player to be named in the playing XI.

6. Mitchell Marsh:

Mitchell Marsh, Australia vs India 2018 — Mitchell Marsh. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Possibly, Mitchell Marsh is going to get included in the side for the Perth Test. It was a surprise call when Australia neglected him for the first Test. However, with Perth wicket assisting the fast bowlers, Mitchell Marsh will be in the contention to push for a place. As per the combinations, Peter Handscomb might miss out.

7. Tim Paine (C):

Tim Paine, Australia vs India 2018 — Tim Paine (Credits – Getty)

Tim Paine has got a bit of issue with his finger. However, the head coach, Justin Langer confirmed the Australian skipper is going to be present for the Perth Test. Meanwhile, Paine would be the cynosure of the eyes for not only his batting but also for his captaincy tactics. With the series at stake, Tim Paine has got a lot of burden on his shoulders.

8. Pat Cummins:

The fast bowler seems like one of the few players, who is trying to bring the lost glory for Australia. He has given his all in the bowling and also batted sensibly during the crunch situations of the game. Once again, he is going to be the vital player in the upcoming Test. It seems like he is the answer for Australia against Virat Kohli.

9. Mitchell Starc:

Mitchell Starc, Murali Vijay, Australia vs India 2018 — Mitchell Starc. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Starc is the one player, whom Australians are hoping to get his form back in the second Test. Mitchell Starc received flak from the analysts for failing to get the right rhythm while bowling against the Indians. Though he got wickets to his name, they want him to bowl at his best against Indian attack. Hopefully, he comes better this time.

10. Nathan Lyon:

Perhaps, Nathan would have received the man of the match award if the result had gone in Australia’s way. He showed his class with the ball and almost pushed Australia to the victory with his willow. Well, once again, Nathan Lyon is going to be the key player for Australia in the upcoming game.

11. Josh Hazlewood:

Australia vs India 2018, Josh Hazlewood, KL Rahul — Josh Hazlewood celebrate Rahul’s wicket. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Hazlewood would have been disappointed for failing to stay at the crease with Nathan Lyon. However, it was a sensible effort from him. He is going to be crucial with the new ball in giving the quick breakthroughs for Australia.