After thrashing Australia in the first Test of the series in Nagpur, India will want to replicate their exploits and gain a comfortable lead in the four-match series. Australia, on the other hand, has a lot going on right now. Not only will they face the Indian spinners, but they will also be tested emotionally, particularly following their humiliating collapse inside a session in the last match. So, it is difficult to wager in their favour at the moment, but the Kangaroos should never be written out.
The Australian squad has made several comebacks throughout the years and understands what it takes. To duplicate it, older players like David Warner and Usman Khawaja must stand up and deliver. In Warner’s situation, this may be his final chance to show himself in Test cricket. He does not have a strong record against spinners, particularly Ravichandran Ashwin, therefore the path will be tough for the southpaw.
Khawaja has a solid record against spinners, but the cricketer hasn’t been tried in these circumstances. As a result, he will have the chance to be a hero in the Delhi Test, but considering his performance in the first match, one cannot bet in his favour.
Despite being well-known cricketers, they are not the big fish in Australian cricket. Watch out for Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who have the capacity to mount a counter-attack against India. Travis Head’s addition will also be a huge boost to the team since he can make a huge effect in the centre.
With their separate ailments, it remains to be seen if club management hurries to bring in Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc. Yet, desperate times call for desperate measures, and Australia seems to be prepared to go all out against India.
However, the Rohit Sharma-led squad is in a much better position, but they cannot afford to rest since the Australian team is capable of coming back stronger. Their primary worry will be KL Rahul’s form, as the opener has failed to deliver despite several opportunities in recent times. Fans and past cricketers alike have urged the club administration to prioritise Shubman Gill above Rahul, although this is very improbable. Only Shreyas Iyer is anticipated to return to the playing XI, as India seems to be invincible on paper.
When it comes to bowling, wrecker-in-chief Ravichandran Ashwin will be in control, with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as his accomplices in crime. The three wrecked havoc in the last encounter, and they are expected to do it again. Meanwhile, Jadeja and Ashwin have both scored five wickets; will Axar do it this time? After all, people like a good challenge.
India vs Australia 2nd Test Pitch Report
Everyone had the same query when the first photograph of the surface of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was revealed. Will it help the spinners? It will, indeed. Australian hitters will face the wrath once again, and that will be the hurdle they must overcome in order to secure a much-needed victory. India must exercise caution as well. Their middle order struggled in the last encounter, and if Australia bowls effectively, the Rohit Sharma-led team may feel the heat as well.
India vs Australia 2nd Test Probable XI
India
Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami
Australia
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb / Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Matthew Kuhnemann, Scott Boland / Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon
