With the fifth and final Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the cricketing fraternity’s attention is focused on both these teams. Both the teams are practicing lineups and are aiming to conclude their campaign on a high note.
Big changes look to be coming for India. Captain Rohit Sharma, who has been under pressure after a string of low scores, is likely to be ‘rested’ for the next match. In his absence, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will likely lead the side. Bumrah had led India to a comprehensive 295-run victory in the opening Test in Perth, proving himself as an able leader.
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The Indian batting order has been under stress throughout the series, with seniors not being able to get going. Rohit’s absence will also give a chance to young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel is likely to take on the wicketkeeping responsibility to strengthen the middle order.
For the bowling, India will miss pace bowler Akash Deep due to a back problem. It means that they have to do some reshuffling in the bowling attack, where Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are likely to take up additional burden along with Bumrah.
In Australia, the hosts have also done something new: dropping all-rounder Mitchell Marsh following a series of lackluster performances. For his spot, Beau Webster will be given a Test debut. The latter is an experienced first-class cricketer from Tasmania and has a strong record, which could add a spark to the Australian side.
Australia leads the series 2-1 and needs only a draw in Sydney to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a prize that has eluded them for a decade. Captain Pat Cummins has expressed confidence in Webster’s ability to make a significant impact, highlighting the strategic intent behind this selection.
Just ahead of this pivotal game, everyone’s attention turns to how such a change of lineups may alter the equation of the match. The responsibility for India rests in the hands of its young guns and Bumrah, if they want to level the series. For Australia, this might be their only opportunity to make a series victory and history.