AUS vs IND: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Pitch Report and more for 1st Test
The injury-filled build-up and the subsequent unavailability of players have also induced some parity in the series.
There is so much to look out for, as there always is when these two great teams – India and Australia – meet in the longest format. The fierce competition just waters, or rather floods your mouth in terms of offerings. It’s that time in India: you would wake up unfailingly on the chilly mornings, hiding under a warmer, and would witness the most stimulating, provoking, and intriguing contest.
This iconic rivalry has many, many sub-rivalries that are scattered all across for one to cherish and gape at. A ruthless Mitchell Starc charges in with the lustrous pink ball launching a barrage of bouncers to Cheteshwar Pujara; the impeccably accurate Jaspit Bumrah’s yorkers, which will have I-will-break-your-toe written all over it to the sensational Steve Smith; some worth-drooling cover-driving of Virat Kohli of the ever-so-consistent Pat Cummins. Add to it, all of this will unfurl under lights.
The inevitable admiration of a frantic follower aside, the series is also a precious opportunity for those who want to prove their mettle. While Shubman Gill has an opportunity of a lifetime in Rohit Sharma’s absence to display his repertoire, Prithvi Shaw would be keen to stamp his name with authority after a rather inconsistent and lean patch of form.
Australia playing at home certainly gives them an advantage. And if anything, their record in Day-Night Tests only adds a bit of worry to their opponents. As many as 7 out of the 14 D/N Tests played since November 2015 have involved Australia. Their record? A staggering 7-0. Although, all 7 of these have been home Tests. But so is this one. While percentage-wise India and Australia stand equal – 100%, the record is rather deceptive as the only D/N Test India ever played has been the home Test against Bangladesh in November 2018, which they won by an innings.
The injury-filled build-up and the subsequent unavailability of players have also induced some parity in the series. India will be missing the Sharmas, Rohit (for the first two games) and Ishant (not available for the entire series), whereas Virat Kohli is set to miss the remainder of the series, barring the first encounter, on account of his paternity leave.
Australia’s unceasing injury woes have robbed them of David Warner for the first Test at least, whereas concussions to Will Pucovski and Cameron Green have put their candidature in jeopardy as well. The latter, however, looks set to make his debut provided he clears the fitness test.
All that said, the finest contest awaits the two sides in Adelaide, where both the teams would want to start on a high to gain an early advantage.
Pitch and conditions
This being a Day-Night encounter, there will be plenty for both the team to look out for. The Day-Night encounters have historically panned out well for the pacers, although spinners are expected to get assistance as the game progresses. There is not much trouble expected from the skies.
Playing combinations for AUS vs IND
India
India has finally shushed the unending quandary of what their playing eleven will be after the team was announced earlier on Wednesday. The answer to the question of openers came out in Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw, who has been preferred over Shubman Gill, whereas Wriddhiman Saha, and not Pant, is set to don the wicket-keeping gloves. Umesh Yadav will be the third seamer alongside Bumrah and Shami.
Playing XI: Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Ravi Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia
After injuries to Pucovski and Warner, Marcus Harris has been roped into the side. Although going by Tim Paine’s idea, Matthew Wade is expected to partner Joe Burns as the opener, whereas Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head will follow in the middle-order. As was stated by Head Coach Justin Langer, Cameron Green, if fit, will be making his debut. The pace artillery will comprise of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, whereas Nathan Lyon will be the lone spinner.
Probable XI: Matthew Wade, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (C & WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
AUS vs IND Head to head
Played – 98 | India – 28 | Australia – 42 | Draw – 27 | Tied – 1
AUS vs IND Broadcast Details
Match Timings- 9:30 AM (IST)
TV – Sony Sports Network
Live Streaming – Sony LIV
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