Australia Playing XI 1ST TEST: Australia handed Test debut to Todd Murphy after assessing the Nagpur pitch, as Pat Cummins opted to play two off-spinners. Peter Handscomb and Scott Boland also make the playing XI as the duo replaces the injured Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc. Matthew Renshaw was also the other name included in the playing XI in place of Travis Head.
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Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland
‘He hasn’t faced even the fast bowlers so he’s very unlikely to play the 1st Test’ Steve Smith said on Tuesday.
- Matthew Renshaw in for Travis Head
- Josh Hazlewood Replacement – Scott Boland
- Todd Murphy gets to make his Test debut
Australia Playing XI 1ST TEST: Cameron Green out of Nagpur Test, Steve Smith confirms, CHECK 3 BIG issues giving SELECTION HEADACHES to Pat Cummins: Follow IND vs AUS LIVE
The Case of Cameron Green
Cameron Green will not bowl in the 1st Ind vs Aus Test, visitots have already confirmed that. And with a question mark on his complete fitness, it will be interesting to see who Australia will go opt for in Nagpur.
If ruled out of 1st Test, Australia would be without a fifth bowling option. Cameron Green’s absence will have a hugely negative impact on the bowling department.
Given their proficiency against spin bowling, Matthew Renshaw and Peter Handscomb would probably face off for the No. 6 spot if Cameron Green is unable to participate in Nagpur.
Josh Hazlewood Replacement – Lance Morris or Scott Boland?
Josh Hazlewood confirmed Sunday that he will miss at least the first test of the four-test tour of India due to a left Achilles ailment that happened at the SCG last month.
Hazlewood’s absence implies that Scott Boland, whose six Test matches have all been played in Australia, should be given first dibs on teaming up with Pat Cummins in Nagpur.
The other option for pace is the uncapped sprinter Lance Morris, and the visitors haven’t ruled out playing three speedsters.
Who will accompany Nathan Lyon? Ashton Agar or Todd Murphy
In the subcontinent unlike everywhere else on the planet, spin is most important in Test cricket.
Hence, the biggest selection conundrum for the Australians comes in the bowling ranks, where there are major questions about who will bowl alongside Nathan Lyon as the team’s second spinner.
During the Sydney Test, Ashton Agar was included, and despite his difficulties against South Africa, he impressed Cummins.
However, Todd Murphy, 22, is expected to earn his Test debut against India as a surprise, with Cummins indicating that he has been very outstanding in training.
Australia Playing XI 1ST TEST: Pat Cummins led Australia CHECKS-IN Nagpur today, 3 big issues giving SELECTION HEADACHES to captain: Follow IND vs AUS LIVE
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