Following their remarkable win in the first Test in Perth, Team India played a practice match against PM XI in Canberra ahead of the second BGT Test. With the second Test in Adelaide being a Day/Night game, the practice match was played under lights with a pink ball.
Originally scheduled for two days, the match was shortened due to rain on the first day, and both teams agreed to play a 46-over match on the second day. After being put in to bat, PM XI was dismissed for 240 runs in 43.2 overs, with opener Sam Konstas scoring an impressive century (107). India responded with 257/5, batting under lights to win the match.
Here are three key takeaways from India’s warm-up match ahead of the second Test:
#3 Team India may stick with the same opening combination as in the first Test
A match-winning partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second innings of the Perth Test may encourage the team management to retain them as the opening pair in Adelaide. The duo put on 201 runs in 63 overs during that innings.
Even with Rohit Sharma’s return, the team opted to open with Rahul and Jaiswal in the practice match, suggesting they are likely to continue opening in Adelaide. The pair added 75 runs for the first wicket in the practice match.
Rohit Sharma, who batted at number four in the practice match, will likely move to the middle order in Adelaide. With Virat Kohli expected to bat at number four and Rishabh Pant performing well at number five, Rohit could bat at number six in the second Test.
#2 The fitness of Shubhman Gill
The Indian Test number three was unable to play in the Perth Test due to a fractured thumb but was working hard to recover in time for the Adelaide Test. Gill batted at number three in the practice match and appeared fully fit, scoring a smooth 50 off 62 balls before retiring.
His performance has confirmed his fitness, and he is likely to bat at number three in Adelaide. His return will bolster Team India’s batting line-up. Gill has been in excellent form in 2024, averaging 47.41 in 19 Test innings, including three centuries this year.
#1 Team India may stick with the same bowling combination in Adelaide
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were in exceptional form in Perth, taking 13 of the 20 Australian wickets in that Test. Harshit Rana claimed three wickets in the first innings but struggled to take more than one in the second innings. With Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna waiting for a chance, Rana needed to show form in the practice match.
The pacer delivered, taking four wickets in six overs during the practice match, virtually securing his spot in the playing XI for the second Test. With Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar also showing promising form in the Perth Test, Team India may opt to retain the same bowling combination for the second Test.
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