[PPS]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Virat has a difficult decision to make between Pant and Saha. Both have their own merits and any decision he makes will be criticized in hindsight if Pant drops one or Saha does not score.

If I remember correctly, the informal arrangement worked out between Captain-Coach was that Saha will be first choice keeper in India because of the turn & bounce, while Pant will do the duties abroad.

[VWAllstar]

My predicted batting order with scores

M Agrawal 70
K L Rahul 50
C Pujara 100
V Kohli 100
A Rahane 30
H Vihari 30
R Pant 50

India some 450/6 in 135 overs.
Aus 425 all out in 120 overs
India 280/6
Aus 250 all out

[NPV]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

My predicted batting order with scores

Wow, that is some optimism and confidence
Hope it becomes reality, fingers crossed, but something tells me it's just a dream though I'd like to be proved wrong!

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by NPV

Hope it becomes reality, fingers crossed, but something tells me it's just a dream though I'd like to be proved wrong!

This is a good chance to win a series again Australia in Australia. They are struggling to have a good opening pair. Apart from Smith and Labuchagne, they have a weak batting. Bowlers aren't menacing either. Starc is out of form and Nathan Lyon is quite manageable.
Pujara and Rahane's form would be the series decider for India. Especially Rahane, who needs to score some big hundreds.

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

India some 450/6 in 135 overs.
Aus 425 all out in 120 overs
India 280/6
Aus 250 all out

I don't think it can be such a high scoring have, given the batting fragility and bowling strength in both the teams. But I wish the end result is what you mentioned.

[PPS]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

Nathan Lyon is quite manageable.

Lyon has a terrific record against India. He infact is the danger man! Our Indian batsman nowadays struggle against half decent spinners than pacers.

[hemanth.anand]

Indian playing XI for the first test against Australia that starts tomorrow has been announced today

I really can't get around the fact that Shaw is picked ahead of KL and Gill! On what basis is he picked!!!

[kannan666]

Originally Posted by hemanth.anand

Indian playing XI for the first test against Australia that starts tomorrow has been announced today
Attachment 2093812
I really can't get around the fact that Shaw is picked ahead of KL and Gill! On what basis is he picked!!!

Yes, I agree with you that Kohli should have gone in preferably with Gill or even KL but he always does throw in a surprise in selections, doesn't he ? For all you know, Prithvi might even go on and score a ton, who knows ! Saha for Pant was probably the right move though as he is a much better wicketkeeper but probably doesn't have the X factor. Jadeja would surely have found a place in the playing eleven had he been fit.

[Venkatesh]

Before the test series a special Q&A between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith is premiering now.

https://youtu.be/QIlhtHmpKDI

[srishiva]

4 bowlers for test days ! Are they counting on Vihari to bowl more overs ?

Jadeja would have been a good selection if available. Bowling looks like weak link if pitch doesnt help them. KL could have been used in place of Saha since pitch is not going to be spinner's dream. Or number of days would be too much for Rahul in tests ?

[landcruiser123]

Can't help but think that the bowlers will be stressed if Australia score big.

With the 11 India picked, they need the top 3 to really dig in our there. I'd love to see KLR open instead of Shaw.

Originally Posted by hemanth.anand

I really can't get around the fact that Shaw is picked ahead of KL and Gill! On what basis is he picked!!!

Can't help but think our bewda (drunkard) coach is behind this decision.

[carboy]

What time is the match tomorrow and what channel?

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

Can't help but think our bewda (drunkard) coach is behind this decision.

May be he got impressed by Shaw's leg spin. A viral video of he spining the bowl beating everyone including Saha is doing the rounds

Gill is really unlucky. He had scored well in the tour match whereas Shaw was a big disappointment. This series should be seen as a litmus test for Rahane. A lot has been said of him however he hasn't performed anything extraordinary post the SA series. It is like getting a prize for being the nice guy of the lot without really adding much value.

[PPS]

Originally Posted by hemanth.anand

I really can't get around the fact that Shaw is picked ahead of KL and Gill! On what basis is he picked!!!

My guess is, team management have decided to show some faith in Shaw. That too after doing not so well in the 2 practice games!

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by carboy

What time is the match tomorrow and what channel?

9:30 AM on Sony Six.