The latest weather reports predict heavy showers on all five days of the first Test at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. It has been pouring across the region since last one week and there are 80 per cent chances of rainfall on the opening of the series opener.
The percentage of the shower on the second and third day are 50 and 40 per cent respectively while the last two days would also be affected, claimed the predictions.
Earlier, the first day of the warm-up match between Board President’s XI and South Africa in Vizianagram, which is around 50 km from the venue, was washed out. Also, the first T20I match of the series in Dharamsala was also affected by the showers and got called-off.
A day ahead of the Test series opener, India announced their playing XI which saw Wriddhiman Saha replacing Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeper. India inducted both their ace spinners – Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, while Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami will take care of the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Rohit Sharma would face the biggest challenge when he opens the innings with Mayank Agarwal. After 27 matches and 6 years since his Test debut, he has been promoted as an opener after KL Rahul lost the spot following his poor run.
Rohit couldn't churn out much of the opportunity as he bagged a 2-ball duck in the practice match. However, the team management believes that the HITMAN has potential to do justice with his new responsibilities.