The pitch for the first Test between India and Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been revealed and a picture has been doing the rounds on social media. Meanwhile, the Indian team management has added a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer to their team ahead of the Test match.
India is coming off a disappointing 3-0 home series loss against New Zealand. They are currently preparing for the high-voltage five-match series in Australia. This series is crucial for the visiting team to keep alive their chances of reaching the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025, which will be played at Lord’s.
Perth pitch for first Test match between India and Australia revealed
As India prepares to face Australia, the pitch for the series opener in Perth has attracted attention. The first Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth from Friday, November 22. The terrain is expected to pose a challenge for India, considering its pace and bounce.
The renowned media outlet RevSportz revealed images of the Perth stadium field. The surface contains live grass, about 8-10 mm. During Australia’s training on November 18, the field looked green and well-watered. However, some of the grass is expected to be cut before the next Test match.
The Perth course is expected to favor fast bowlers with pace, bounce and seam movement, especially with the new ball. However, batting may become easier as the Kookaburra ball softens. Both teams could include a spinner in their playing XI, despite conditions favoring fast bowlers in Perth.
Team India is in the midst of starting their training at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and several other players and coaching staff took a look at what looks like a GREEN TRACK 👀#AUSWIN #BGT pic.twitter.com/DEthIRGaPd
-RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 19, 2024
Yash Dayal in Australia for Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
According to RevSportz, Yash Dayal has been called up to Australia ahead of the series opener. RevSportz journalist Subhayan Chakraborty confirmed that Dayal is in Australia. However, there is no confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors regarding his inclusion.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the Indian bowling attack comprising of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. Apart from these five pacers, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini and Khaleel Ahmed have also been included as reserves. Nitish Kumar Reddy can also contribute with the ball.
Yash Dayal is yet to make his debut for the Indian team
It is worth mentioning that Yash Dayal is yet to debut for Team India in any format. Dayal was included in the squad for the Bangladesh series, but was excluded from the following home series against New Zealand. He also did not get any chance during the recently concluded T20I series in South Africa.
The Indian selectors did not pick pacer Mohammed Shami for the much-awaited series. Shami recently returned to professional cricket during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, where he took seven wickets. He could join the team during the second half of the series.
Also Read: Mohammed Shami rejected by BCCI for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 despite Ranji Trophy heroics