India have included Shubhman Gill and Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI for the second Test of the four-match Test series against Australia.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declared the playing XI of the Indian team one day before the start of the second Test match. The 2nd Test or the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia will start a day after Christmas and will conclude a day before New Year’s Eve. After their worst loss in the first Test, India will look to turnaround under the leadership Ajinkya Rahane.
Shubhman Gill will make his debut against Australia after his decent performance in this year's IPL (Indian Premier League). Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj will replace injured Mohammed Shami and it is a huge opportunity for the right-arm pacer, who missed his father’s funeral to serve his nation. Also Rishabh Pant will don the wicket-keeper's kit as Wriddhiman Saha will be benched. While, Ravindra Jadeja has booked his place for Virat Kohli (on paternity leave) as India decides to boost the bowling department.
The match will be played at 05:00 am IST on Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
India Playing XI:
1. M Agarwal. 2. S Gill. 3. C Pujara. 4. H Vihari. 5. A Rahane (C). 6. R Pant. 7. R Jadeja 8. R Ashwin 9. U Yadav 10. J Bumrah 11.M Siraj