In a big setback to Team India, their star pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the fifth and last Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). India's head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed the news during pre-match press conference on January 2. Notably India and Australia will lock horns with each other one last time in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the SCG on January 3. Gambhir revealed that Akash Deep will miss the last Test due to stiff back.
Akash Deep to miss 5th Test against Australia
"Akash Deep is out with back issue," India coach Gautam Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference.
Notably, Akash Deep picked five wickets in two matches that he played in the ongoing Test series against Australia.
The 28-year-old right-arm pacer has been experiencing a niggle, which could be attributed to the heavy workload he has undertaken in the series. He bowled a total of 87.5 overs across two Test matches.
In Akash Deep's absence, one of the players between Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna could be considered as his replacements in India's playing XI for the all-important Sydney Test.
Coach Gambhir was also asked about Rohit Sharma's spot in India's playing XI for the series ender, to which he remained tightlipped and said that it will be decided after taking a look at the pitch.
We are going to have a look at the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow," Gambhir added.
Australia have announced their playing XI for the fifth Test against India with big changes. Australia have dropped Mitchell Marsh and replaced him with Beau Webster, who will be making his debut in Sydney. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has been declared fit to feature in the final showdown in Sydney.
Australia's Playing XI for 5th Test against India
Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
India haven't enjoyed best of the outing in the series so far. After starting the tour on a high with resounding 195-run win over Australia in series opener in Perth, India lost two matches followed by a draw. It will be a must-win contest for India in Sydney if they want to boost their slim WTC final chances.