<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Mayank Agarwal has been dropped from the side with Rohit Sharma replacing the opener in the playing XI. Whereas pacer Navdeep Saini has been handed Test debut as he replaces an injured Umesh Yadav in the side.</p>

<h2>Team India XI vs Australia for Sydney Test:&nbsp;</h2>

<p><em><strong>Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja,&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini</strong></em></p>

<p>Mayank Agarwal, who has looked out of form, has been replaced by veteran Rohit as he takes the place in the playing XI. Rohit will also be deputy to captain Rahane for the remaining two Test matches. Navdeep Saini, who has had a tremendous rise in world cricket, gets his Test debut in Sydney after impressing for India in the limited-overs format.</p>

<p>Umesh Yadav, who was ruled out of the Test series due to calf injury, was replaced by Saini in the line-up.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's unfortunate that Umesh got injured, we will surely miss him and Shami. But this gives an opportunity to others. I'm really happy the way Siraj stood up in the last game," said Rahane in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"We're all happy to have Rohit Sharma back. He brings a lot of experience to the side. He has been batting really well in the nets. He has been opening for us so he will definitely bat at the top of the order," the Indian captain added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-india-boxing-day-test-declared-possible-covid-hotspot-354763" hreflang="en">Australia-India Boxing Day Test declared possible Covid hotspot</a></strong></p>

<p>Interestingly, India will go with their third new opening pair for the Sydney Test. India opened with Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal in Adelaide, they went with Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal in Melbourne. Now, the visitors have decided to pair Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the XI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, after losing the Adelaide Test, bounced back strong in the series by winning the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by eight wickets. While India don't have a strong record in Sydney, they have come agonisingly close of winning Test matches in Sydney, only to lose out of the win by narrow margins - the latest being in 2019.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the playing XI for the third Test against Australia, scheduled to start from January 7 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Mayank Agarwal has been dropped from the side with Rohit Sharma replacing the opener in the playing XI. Whereas pacer Navdeep Saini has been handed Test debut as he replaces an injured Umesh Yadav in the side. Team India XI vs Australia for Sydney Test: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini Mayank Agarwal, who has looked out of form, has been replaced by veteran Rohit as he takes the place in the playing XI. Rohit will also be deputy to captain Rahane for the remaining two Test matches. Navdeep Saini, who has had a tremendous rise in world cricket, gets his Test debut in Sydney after impressing for India in the limited-overs format. Umesh Yadav, who was ruled out of the Test series due to calf injury, was replaced by Saini in the line-up. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners "It's unfortunate that Umesh got injured, we will surely miss him and Shami. But this gives an opportunity to others. I'm really happy the way Siraj stood up in the last game," said Rahane in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. "We're all happy to have Rohit Sharma back. He brings a lot of experience to the side. He has been batting really well in the nets. He has been opening for us so he will definitely bat at the top of the order," the Indian captain added. ALSO READ: Australia-India Boxing Day Test declared possible Covid hotspot Interestingly, India will go with their third new opening pair for the Sydney Test. India opened with Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal in Adelaide, they went with Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal in Melbourne. Now, the visitors have decided to pair Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the XI. India, after losing the Adelaide Test, bounced back strong in the series by winning the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by eight wickets. While India don't have a strong record in Sydney, they have come agonisingly close of winning Test matches in Sydney, only to lose out of the win by narrow margins - the latest being in 2019.

India announce playing XI for Sydney Test vs Australia; Rohit Sharma, Navdeep Saini start

<p>The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) will not be available for the rest of the series as Jadeja and Siraj respectively replaced the duo in the playing XI while Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw and Pant came in for Wriddhiman Saha. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India recorded their lowest Test total of 36 runs in the second innings of Adelaide Test where Australia thumped India by eight wickets inside three days to take a 1-0 lead in the series.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paine-wary-of-depleted-india-in-melbourne-352235" hreflang="en">Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne</a></strong></p>

<p>“Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday.</p>

<p>“We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.”</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australian counterpart Tim Paine said that India, without Kohli and others, were more than capable of turning the tables in their favour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning.</p>

<p>“We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-will-come-out-and-fight-kris-srikkanth-on-boxing-day-test-352155" hreflang="en">'India will come out and fight': Kris Srikkanth on Boxing Day Test</a></strong></p>

<p>The Melbourne Cricket Ground is normally jam-packed during Boxing Day Tests but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowd has been limited to 30,000.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“It’s going to be different isn’t it,” Paine said.</p>

<p>“I think we’re just lucky to be playing a Boxing Day test at the MCG.”</p>


The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.

The Indian cricket team on Friday announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, scheduled to start from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as the visitors brought in the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant while handing debuts to youngsters Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj. Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (injury) will not be available for the rest of the series as Jadeja and Siraj respectively replaced the duo in the playing XI while Gill replaced out-of-form Prithvi Shaw and Pant came in for Wriddhiman Saha. India recorded their lowest Test total of 36 runs in the second innings of Adelaide Test where Australia thumped India by eight wickets inside three days to take a 1-0 lead in the series. ALSO READ: Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne “Each and every individual in this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s really a challenge for the captain and management to select the 11,” Rahane told a video conference on Friday. “We had just one bad hour (in Adelaide). It’s about staying positive, backing your own ability and batting in partnerships.” Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australian counterpart Tim Paine said that India, without Kohli and others, were more than capable of turning the tables in their favour. “The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and think we’re going all right (performances can slip),” Paine told reporters. “A huge focus of ours ... has been winning after winning. “We’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.” ALSO READ: 'India will come out and fight': Kris Srikkanth on Boxing Day Test The Melbourne Cricket Ground is normally jam-packed during Boxing Day Tests but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowd has been limited to 30,000. “It’s going to be different isn’t it,” Paine said. “I think we’re just lucky to be playing a Boxing Day test at the MCG.”

India announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia; Shubman Gill to debut

<p class="MsoNormal">The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India playing XI for the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 17 (Thursday). Opener Prithvi Shaw gets the green signal over Shubman Gill whereas Wriddhiman Saha will take the wicket-keeping gloves over Rishabh Pant, who smoked a century in the pink-ball warm-up match against Australia A.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Virat Kohli will lead the side and this will be the only Test he will play in this four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Mayank Agarwal will pair up with Prithvi Shaw up top as the latter get the green signal ahead of Shubman Gill, who looked in great touch during the two warm-up matches against Australia A.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Indian middle-order completes itself with the likes of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari filling up the slots. Interestingly, Wriddhiman Saha has been preferred over Rishabh Pant. The young southpaw smashed a terrific century in the pink-ball warm-up match against Australia A but has to sit out of the match.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-smith-pace-and-pink-balls-what-to-watch-when-australia-face-india-350121" hreflang="en">Kohli, Smith, pace and pink balls: what to watch when Australia face India</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Indian bowling attack comprises the likes of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah with Umesh Yadav coming in as the third seamer. Ravichandran Ashwin has been picked as the sole specialist spinner in the team.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UPDATE🚨: Here’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>’s playing XI for the first Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia starting tomorrow in Adelaide. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WbVRWrhqwi">pic.twitter.com/WbVRWrhqwi</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1339115913061179395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>India Playing XI vs Australia for Adelaide Test:</o:p></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">Virat Kohli (C)<br />
Mayank Agarwal<br />
Prithvi Shaw<br />
Cheteshwar Pujara<br />
Ajinkya Rahane<br />
Hanuma Vihari<br />
Wriddhiman Saha (WK)<br />
Ravichandran Ashwin<br />
Umesh Yadav<br />
Mohammed Shami<br />
Jasprit Bumrah</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a></strong></p>

<p>“I would like to say that I have always been myself,” Indian skipper Kohli&nbsp;said during a virtual media conference ahead of the opening Test against Australia here starting Thursday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">'Ajinkya and I are on the same page and I’m sure he'll do a tremendous job in my absence,' says <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Skipper <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> on the eve of the first Test against Australia.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/S8fmUABfUC">pic.twitter.com/S8fmUABfUC</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1339121199238901761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/where-are-shubman-gill-and-rishabh-pant-fans-question-team-india-playing-xi-350150" hreflang="en">Where are Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant? Fans question Team India playing XI</a></strong></p>

<p>“The way my personality and character is, I am the representation of new India. For me, that’s how I look at it,” he asserted.</p>

<p>“In my mind, it’s not (about) being compared to the Australian mindset as such. It’s how we have started to stand up as the Indian cricket team and my personality has been like this from day one” he added.</p>

<p>“The new India takes up challenges and is filled with optimism and positivity. We make sure that we are ready for any challenges that come our way.”</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India playing XI for the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 17 (Thursday).

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India playing XI for the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 17 (Thursday). Opener Prithvi Shaw gets the green signal over Shubman Gill whereas Wriddhiman Saha will take the wicket-keeping gloves over Rishabh Pant, who smoked a century in the pink-ball warm-up match against Australia A. Virat Kohli will lead the side and this will be the only Test he will play in this four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Mayank Agarwal will pair up with Prithvi Shaw up top as the latter get the green signal ahead of Shubman Gill, who looked in great touch during the two warm-up matches against Australia A. The Indian middle-order completes itself with the likes of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari filling up the slots. Interestingly, Wriddhiman Saha has been preferred over Rishabh Pant. The young southpaw smashed a terrific century in the pink-ball warm-up match against Australia A but has to sit out of the match. ALSO READ: Kohli, Smith, pace and pink balls: what to watch when Australia face India The Indian bowling attack comprises the likes of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah with Umesh Yadav coming in as the third seamer. Ravichandran Ashwin has been picked as the sole specialist spinner in the team. UPDATE🚨: Here’s #TeamIndia’s playing XI for the first Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia starting tomorrow in Adelaide. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WbVRWrhqwi — BCCI (@BCCI) December 16, 2020 × India Playing XI vs Australia for Adelaide Test: Virat Kohli (C) Mayank Agarwal Prithvi Shaw Cheteshwar Pujara Ajinkya Rahane Hanuma Vihari Wriddhiman Saha (WK) Ravichandran Ashwin Umesh Yadav Mohammed Shami Jasprit Bumrah ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters “I would like to say that I have always been myself,” Indian skipper Kohli said during a virtual media conference ahead of the opening Test against Australia here starting Thursday. 'Ajinkya and I are on the same page and I’m sure he'll do a tremendous job in my absence,' says #TeamIndia Skipper @imVkohli on the eve of the first Test against Australia.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/S8fmUABfUC — BCCI (@BCCI) December 16, 2020 × ALSO READ: Where are Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant? Fans question Team India playing XI “The way my personality and character is, I am the representation of new India. For me, that’s how I look at it,” he asserted. “In my mind, it’s not (about) being compared to the Australian mindset as such. It’s how we have started to stand up as the Indian cricket team and my personality has been like this from day one” he added. “The new India takes up challenges and is filled with optimism and positivity. We make sure that we are ready for any challenges that come our way.”

India announce playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia; Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha get the nod

<p>The Indian team on Thursday announced its playing XI for the first Test of the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy with a couple of surprising picks. The day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval is set to be played between India and Australia from December 17 in what promises to be a thrilling pink-ball Test. However, some of the fans were irked by the calls taken by the Indian team management after the playing XI for the Adelaide Test was announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prithvi Shaw and Wriddhiman Saha were picked over Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant and fans were left scratching their heads over the calls. Shaw has been out of form for some time now. Even though it would be harsh on the youngster to mix formats and judge his form, Shaw’s form in the two warm-up matches against Australia A suggested that he is struggling with his technique and confidence. His form in IPL and knack of finding different ways of throwing his wickets away has been questioned by pundits and fans.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-playing-xi-for-adelaide-test-vs-australia-prithvi-shaw-wriddhiman-saha-get-the-nod-350128" hreflang="en">India announce playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia; Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha get the nod</a></strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, Shubman Gill looked classy in the warm-up matches and scored a scintillating half-century in the pink-ball warm-up match against Australia A. Gill’s technique has been praised by many and given the bouncier conditions in Australia, his comfort of playing the ball on the up was seen as an added advantage. However, he will have to wait for his Test cap and is expected to be in the playing XI once Virat Kohli leaves for India after the Adelaide Test.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In the Practice matches against Australia A, Prithvi Shaw scores is 0, 19, 40 and 3 and Shubman Gill scorers 0, 29, 43, and 65. Gill was in excellent form and he looked very good in the Pink Ball Practice match while batting. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/man4_cricket/status/1339126645379067904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am finding it difficult to understand why KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are sitting outside. Prithvi Shaw was a failure in both practice games.<br />
<br />
This is ridiculous. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/BnervyIosM">pic.twitter.com/BnervyIosM</a></p>
— Aayush Sharma | آیوش شرما 🏳️‍🌈 (@JournalistWFH) <a href="https://twitter.com/JournalistWFH/status/1339126383805571074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shubman Gill should have been in the playing 11. He is much more consistent than Prithvi Shaw. <a href="https://t.co/7WX1afpcqv">https://t.co/7WX1afpcqv</a></p>
— Subrata Panda (@subratapanda) <a href="https://twitter.com/subratapanda/status/1339124003701551105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Terrible.<br />
Shubman Gill having proved his abilities in the warm up matches but still not in the playing 11.<br />
Shubman Gill should've been replaced for Prithvi Shaw. <a href="https://t.co/09UGjJRrGs">pic.twitter.com/09UGjJRrGs</a></p>
— Vishal S (@veee_shaall) <a href="https://twitter.com/veee_shaall/status/1339122352739688448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prithvi Shaw and Wriddhiman Saha over Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill!<br />
<br />
Shocked n surprised at the selection. Last tour in Australia, Rishabh was second highest Indian scorer. Both Gill n him played well in practise match as well! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RaviShastriOfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SGanguly99</a></p>
— Shivam 🇮🇳 |🎸| (@itsShivam18) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsShivam18/status/1339122122463985664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's just too hard on Shubman Gill. Looked in fine touch in practice match. Even in NZ tour games he scored 83, 204* 136 in first class games still fail to debut . I hope they select him in 2nd Test when kohli leaves. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shubmangill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shubmangill</a></p>
— Uday (@Udaycric) <a href="https://twitter.com/Udaycric/status/1339122027307945984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tough luck Shubman Gill and KL Rahul! Team Management has gone with a big gamble here with Shaw and Saha!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a></p>
— Daanveer ↗️ (@daanveers) <a href="https://twitter.com/daanveers/status/1339121128632066049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant should’ve made it in the playing XI<br />
<br />
He had a brilliant practice game he is a busy batsmen would keep the score board ticking over fast. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a></p>
— Qas. (@QAS__786) <a href="https://twitter.com/QAS__786/status/1339129450521382912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Wriddhiman Saha, who is arguably the finest wicket-keeper in the world, has been picked over Rishabh Pant. While Pant’s form is also not the best, the southpaw scored a breathtaking century in the second warm-up match against Australia A.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/warne-vs-tendulkar-monkeygate-5-classic-australia-vs-india-encounters-349950" hreflang="en">Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters</a></strong></p>

<p>If Shaw can get picked due to his previous performances in Test then it was Pant who scored a century on Australian soil the last time India visited Down Under.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some of the fans are irked by these two decisions, they would be hoping that India start the much-awaited series with a win over Australia.</p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px !important; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><strong>India Playing XI vs Australia for Adelaide Test:</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Virat Kohli (C)</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Mayank Agarwal</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Prithvi Shaw</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Cheteshwar Pujara</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Ajinkya Rahane</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Hanuma Vihari</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Wriddhiman Saha (WK)</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Ravichandran Ashwin</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Umesh Yadav</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Mohammed Shami</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: &quot;Noto Serif&quot;, serif; font-weight: 400; line-height: 28px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; outline: 0px !important;">Jasprit Bumrah</li>
</ul>


The Indian team on Thursday announced its playing XI for the first Test of the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy with a couple of surprising picks. The day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval is set to be played between India and Australia from December 17 in what promises to be a thrilling pink-ball Test.

The Indian team on Thursday announced its playing XI for the first Test of the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy with a couple of surprising picks. The day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval is set to be played between India and Australia from December 17 in what promises to be a thrilling pink-ball Test. However, some of the fans were irked by the calls taken by the Indian team management after the playing XI for the Adelaide Test was announced. Prithvi Shaw and Wriddhiman Saha were picked over Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant and fans were left scratching their heads over the calls. Shaw has been out of form for some time now. Even though it would be harsh on the youngster to mix formats and judge his form, Shaw’s form in the two warm-up matches against Australia A suggested that he is struggling with his technique and confidence. His form in IPL and knack of finding different ways of throwing his wickets away has been questioned by pundits and fans. ALSO READ: India announce playing XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia; Prithvi Shaw, Wriddhiman Saha get the nod On the other hand, Shubman Gill looked classy in the warm-up matches and scored a scintillating half-century in the pink-ball warm-up match against Australia A. Gill’s technique has been praised by many and given the bouncier conditions in Australia, his comfort of playing the ball on the up was seen as an added advantage. However, he will have to wait for his Test cap and is expected to be in the playing XI once Virat Kohli leaves for India after the Adelaide Test. In the Practice matches against Australia A, Prithvi Shaw scores is 0, 19, 40 and 3 and Shubman Gill scorers 0, 29, 43, and 65. Gill was in excellent form and he looked very good in the Pink Ball Practice match while batting. #AUSvsIND — CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) December 16, 2020 × I am finding it difficult to understand why KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are sitting outside. Prithvi Shaw was a failure in both practice games. This is ridiculous. #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/BnervyIosM — Aayush Sharma | آیوش شرما 🏳️‍🌈 (@JournalistWFH) December 16, 2020 × Shubman Gill should have been in the playing 11. He is much more consistent than Prithvi Shaw. https://t.co/7WX1afpcqv — Subrata Panda (@subratapanda) December 16, 2020 × Terrible. Shubman Gill having proved his abilities in the warm up matches but still not in the playing 11. Shubman Gill should've been replaced for Prithvi Shaw. pic.twitter.com/09UGjJRrGs — Vishal S (@veee_shaall) December 16, 2020 × Prithvi Shaw and Wriddhiman Saha over Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill! Shocked n surprised at the selection. Last tour in Australia, Rishabh was second highest Indian scorer. Both Gill n him played well in practise match as well! #AUSvIND @BCCI @RaviShastriOfc @SGanguly99 — Shivam 🇮🇳 |🎸| (@itsShivam18) December 16, 2020 × It's just too hard on Shubman Gill. Looked in fine touch in practice match. Even in NZ tour games he scored 83, 204* 136 in first class games still fail to debut . I hope they select him in 2nd Test when kohli leaves. #AUSvIND #INDvAUS #Shubmangill — Uday (@Udaycric) December 16, 2020 × Tough luck Shubman Gill and KL Rahul! Team Management has gone with a big gamble here with Shaw and Saha!#AUSvsIND — Daanveer ↗️ (@daanveers) December 16, 2020 × Rishabh Pant should’ve made it in the playing XI He had a brilliant practice game he is a busy batsmen would keep the score board ticking over fast. #AUSvIND — Qas. (@QAS__786) December 16, 2020 × Wriddhiman Saha, who is arguably the finest wicket-keeper in the world, has been picked over Rishabh Pant. While Pant’s form is also not the best, the southpaw scored a breathtaking century in the second warm-up match against Australia A. ALSO READ: Warne vs Tendulkar, 'Monkeygate': 5 classic Australia vs India encounters If Shaw can get picked due to his previous performances in Test then it was Pant who scored a century on Australian soil the last time India visited Down Under. While some of the fans are irked by these two decisions, they would be hoping that India start the much-awaited series with a win over Australia. India Playing XI vs Australia for Adelaide Test: Virat Kohli (C) Mayank Agarwal Prithvi Shaw Cheteshwar Pujara Ajinkya Rahane Hanuma Vihari Wriddhiman Saha (WK) Ravichandran Ashwin Umesh Yadav Mohammed Shami Jasprit Bumrah

Where are Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant? Fans question Team India playing XI