India make four changes for the second Test against Australia at the MCG with Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj appearing, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also joining the XI; Prithvi Shaw and Wriddhiman Saha fell after Adelaide’s humiliation
The Reuters
Last updated: 25/12/20 8:58 am
Rishabh Pant returns to India XI for Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG
India have made four changes in their attempt to kick back from their shelves in Adelaide but have gone against an uphill battle as Australian captain Tim Paine urges the guests to continue with the relentless climb in the second Test in Melbourne.
The tourists were killed for the lowest number of 36 in Adelaide where Australia won within three days to go 1-0 up in the four-Test series.
Virat Kohli’s father’s combination of bad form, injury and leave regularly led to the changes, which saw the high-order bat Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj skimpy appear in the Boxing Day Test.
All-round Ravindra Jadeja and goalkeeper Rishabh Pant will also return to the side led by Ajinkya Rahane without Kohli.
Outside opener Prithvi Shaw and goalkeeper Wriddhiman Saha have been let down while Siraj is due to be admitted to the hand injury suffered by Mohammed Shami while he is drowning in Adelaide.
Prithvi Shaw is left out after scoring just four runs in the first Test
“Everyone on this team is really capable of doing well, so it’s a challenge for the captain and the management to choose the XI,” Rahane said at a video conference on Friday.
“We only had one bad hour [in Adelaide]. It’s about staying positive, supporting your own potential and engaging in partnerships. “
Earlier on Friday, Rahane’s Australian counterpart Paine said that even without Kohli and others, the injured tourists were more likely to turn their fortunes back.
“The moment we take our foot off the pedal, and we think we’re going fine [performances can slip], “Paine told reporters.” We have a big focus … on winning after winning.
“We’ve been really good as we’ve prepared for this game.”
Josh Hazlewood took a 5-8 when India were taken out for 36 in the first Test in Adelaide
Paine’s side are unlikely to remain unchanged for the class, with coach Justin Langer almost confirming so much on Thursday when he said he would be a “very confident man” from the Adelaide game.
The game will also be played amid the shadow of the pandemic of coronavirus, with the third Test in Sydney still up in the air due to a recent uprising in the city’s northern beaches causing closure and border closures.
The Melbourne Test usually attracts a large population but COVID-19 restrictions have limited the population to 30,000.
“It’s going to be different isn’t it,” said Paine. “I think we’re just lucky to play Boxing Day Test at the MCG.”