AUS vs IND Playing 11, 1st Test: Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024, Australia vs India Predicted XI, Preview, Key Players, Team News

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AUS vs IND Playing 11: The highly anticipated 1st Test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India is all set to commence on November 22, 2024, at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Both teams have a lot riding on this series opener, with the race for the 2025 World Test Championship final intensifying. India, the reigning champions of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, will aim to bounce back after a disappointing defeat in New Zealand, while Australia seeks to extend their dominance in home conditions.

Match Information

• Date: November 22, 2024
• Time: 7:50 AM IST
• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Broadcast: Star Sports Network
• Live Stream: Disney+ Hotstar

Weather and Pitch Report

The weather in Perth promises clear skies and sunny conditions for all five days of the Test match, with temperatures expected to range between 30°C and 34°C. The breeze may help the bowlers, especially in the early stages of play.

The pitch at Optus Stadium traditionally favors fast bowlers, offering pace and bounce that could trouble the batsmen in the initial overs. With grass still covering the surface, the early session will be crucial for both teams. As the match progresses, the pitch may slow down, giving spinners more assistance. Batting first will be beneficial, as the team batting first has won all the previous Tests here.

Australia vs India Previews

Team Previews

Australia (AUS)

Australia remains one of the most dominant teams in Test cricket, particularly at home. Their record at Perth is almost unassailable, having transformed the Optus Stadium into a fortress. Leading their charge is Marnus Labuschagne, a modern-day great who thrives in these conditions. With a mind-blowing average of 103.80 in Perth, Labuschagne is expected to be the cornerstone of their batting lineup. Steve Smith, another run machine, will provide stability, while Travis Head’s attacking stroke play can turn the tide in Australia’s favor within a session. On the bowling front, their pace battery comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood is a nightmare for opposition batters, especially on a pitch that offers pace and bounce. The trio\'s ability to extract the best from the Perth surface makes them the favorites heading into the match. Add Nathan Lyon’s guile in the middle overs, and Australia has a balanced attack that can exploit all conditions.

India (IND)

India enters the series with their backs against the wall, facing a challenging start without experienced openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Despite these setbacks, the team boasts an exciting blend of youth and experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young left-hander who has been in sublime touch, is the backbone of their batting lineup. His remarkable form, including over 1,000 Test runs in 2024, makes him a key figure in countering Australia’s formidable attack. Virat Kohli will lead the charge in the middle order, aiming to carry his imperious form into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India’s strength lies in their bowling unit, spearheaded by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his pace and control, can rattle any batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj, known for his aggression and consistency, complements Bumrah perfectly, while Ravindra Jadeja provides the all-important balance with his ability to pick wickets and contribute crucial runs lower down the order. The challenge for India will be adapting quickly to Perth’s challenging conditions and applying pressure consistently across all five days.

Injury Update

India will be without Rohit Sharma for the first Test due to personal reasons, and Shubman Gill’s availability remains uncertain after he sustained an injury during practice. These absences have forced India to rethink their batting line-up, but they will rely on the contributions of young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.

Australia, meanwhile, have no major injury concerns and will field a fully-fit squad for the opening Test, ensuring they enter the game with confidence.

AUS vs IND Probable Playing 11

Australia

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Inglis

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana

Australia vs India Full Squads

Australia

Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Alex Carey (wk), Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Mitch Marsh, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland

India

Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Sarfaraz Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Akash Deep