On Day 2 of the match simulations, head coach Gautam Gambhir unleashed India's senior pacers at the WACA Stadium, Perth. While Shubman Gill got fractured his finger in the slip cordon, Abhimanyu Easwaran failed to put his name in contention to open the innings if Rohit Sharma misses the first Test of the series.
As per reporters in Australia, Easwaran flashed his blade and got out caught early in the innings. India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was in no mood to give in to Harshit Rana's short ball ploy and hooked him for a maximum. While Gill fractured his thumb and is unlikely to feature in the first Test, Virat Kohli grabbed two catches in the slips. Gaikwad did well against India's ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
As usual, Jasprit Bumrah tormented the batters as they took a few body blows. Mohammed Siraj who has not been in the best of forms of late honed in on his lines and manage to induce a few outside edges. Akash Deep and Harshit Rana bowled as well. India have plenty of pacers in their side who can feature in the playing XI for Perth Test. Prasidh Krishna has already emerged as a lethal option.
Ishan Kishan came out to bat as well and fell on the ground in an attempt to sweep Ashwin. Sarfaraz Khan batted and was treated with a barrage of short balls. There have been concerns over his batting against short balls. Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was handed the ball too. Kishan hit him for a massive six.
Gaikwad to get a late call?
If Gill and Rohit miss out the first Test, Gaikwad has emerged as an option to be considered to open or bat at no.3. Meanwhile, on November 17, KL Rahul who was hit on the elbow by a rising delivery from Krishna returned to nets. Rahul can bat in Gill's place as well.
Ashwin's chances of playing in Perth
While Ashwin bowled on Day 2 of match simulations, there is a question mark over whether he will get a chance to play in the Perth Test. Ashwin has played a total of 10 Tests on Australian soil but he is yet to play a Test in Perth.
Jurel or Sarfaraz?
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has also put his name in contention. There can be a toss-up between him and Sarfaraz in the middle order.
