The on-field umpires for the first Test between India and Australia in Perth have been announced, with Richard Kettleborough set to officiate. Known for his association with several key matches India has lost, including ICC knockout games, the "Kettleborough jinx" looms large as the visitors prepare for opening clash of IND vs AUS five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
IND vs AUS Test series carries great significance for India, as the outcome will heavily influence their bid to secure a third consecutive spot in World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Also on ABP Live | Jasprit Bumrah Blasts Virat Kohli's Critics Ahead Of IND vs AUS 1st Test In Perth
Jasprit Bumrah to lead Rohit Sharma-less India in IND vs AUS Perth Test
IND vs AUS Perth Test will be Jasprit Bumrah's second outing as India captain in Test cricket. He previously led Team India in the final match of five-Test series against England in 2022.
After recovering from injury, the premier pacer also captained India in a T20 series against Ireland. Ahead of IND vs AUS Perth Test, Bumrah spoke about drawing inspiration from legends like Kapil Dev and Pat Cummins, who successfully balanced their roles as fast bowlers and captains.
Rohit Sharma had confirmed his unavailability for Perth Test, but India's concerns have grown with Shubman Gill picking up an injury during an intra-squad match a few days ago.
Although Gill's participation in IND vs AUS Perth Test seems doubtful, bowling coach Morne Morkel stated on Wednesday that a final decision would be made on Friday morning.
With Gill typically batting at number three, it will be interesting to see how the Indian team management addresses this gap. Devdutt Padikkal is a strong contender to step in and take the opener's spot in Gill's absence.
India's probable playing-XI for of IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (captain), Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.