After a disappointing hitting performance in Test 1 against Australia in Adelaide, the Indian team is faced with many questions, most of which revolve around team selection for Test 2. At one point in the match, it appeared that Virat Kohli & co. it could give Australia their first loss in a day / night test in their own backyard. But the script was changed on the 3rd.
On the back of a sensational bowling effort from pacemakers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Australia rallied to pick an easy 8 wicket win. India’s batting order was shaken. While the surface was tough to play, no one had predicted a score of 36/9, India’s lowest in a test inning.
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Neither batter was able to reach double figures in the second inning, and going into the second Test that begins on December 26, India is expected to make a host of changes. One of the changes could involve goalkeeper Wriddhiman Saha.
Saha had a poor trial with the bat, scoring 9 and 4 in both innings, and in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli, who will return home for the birth of his first child, India could look for an additional hitter. This could lead to Rishabh Pant replacing Saha at MCG.
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Speaking to the PTI news agency, former India head coach MSK Prasad said he would agree with the team’s decision if they bring in Pant instead of Saha.
“Look, our committee was clear that Rishabh Pant will be our first choice goalkeeper in places like England and Australia. Only when we are watching games in India where you don’t need to hit after number six most of the time, can you have a specialized goalkeeper, ”Prasad told PTI on Sunday.
“I think Rishabh has been working on her fitness issues for the last month and she looked good during the pink ball practice game. So I would agree with the team management if they give Rishabh a chance for the next three tests, ”he added.
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