Everything about the second Test match between Australia and India
The Indian cricket team will be playing for the first time at the new Optus Stadium in Perth, which is located in close proximity to the WACA. Virat Kohli's side leads the four-match Test series 1-0, after a nail-biter in Adelaide. The pressure will be on the Australian cricket team to come out strong and level the series. Here is the the match preview.
India name 13-man squad for 2nd Test: Virat Kohli (C), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/dBnMLqZ7AD
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 13, 2018
India will be without premier off-spinner R Ashwin for the second Test. He was superb in Adelaide with six wickets in the match that included the final nail in the coffin during Australia's chase in the second innings. He has been ruled out with an injury alongside middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma. Ashwin's absence presents a chance for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to come in.
India could opt for young Hanuma Vihari in place of the injured Rohit. This is a wonderful opportunity for Vihari, who struck a fifty in his debut Test in England. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also included in the 13-man squad. He could be included given the nature of the track. Bhuvi could aid the side with his batting skills as well.
Kohli wasn't among the runs in Adelaide and the focus will be on him to take guard this time. His runs could help India get to challenging totals. Cheteshwar Pujara will be hoping to continue from where he left off. He is expected to anchor the innings. The decisive aspect is India's opening situations. The openers cannot afford to falter.
Australia will be counting on the fast bowlers to do the job for them on a pace-friendly pitch at Perth. Mitchell Starc in particular will be their best bet. He picked 5 wickets in the Adelaide Test. Australia didn't get the desired start from their openers in the first Test . That's one area they need to work on. The hosts need some inspiration.
Pujara will definitely be India's weapon against the Aussie pacers on a fast track. His determination and ability to leave deliveries outside the off-stump will be crucial. The Indian pace attack could determine the outcome of the Test as well. They have bowled well this year. Shaun Marsh and Starc hold the key for Australia in this Test. They need to show their mettle.
The second Test match is set to start at 7:50 AM IST. The match will be telecast live on the Sony Ten network. Fans can also stream the match on the Sony Liv app as well.
