Border Gavaskar Trophy: Predicted Australia Playing 11 for Adelaide Test

It’s been over a decade since Australia last kept the Border Gavaskar Trophy to themselves. The decade bore witness to many historic moments in the heated India vs. Australia series. From India scripting the Gabba breach, ending Australia's 33-year unbeaten streak at the venue, to India recording their lowest Test total in Adelaide, the BGT remains a thrilling contest. The excitement returned this season when India took on Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth to kick off the five-match series. Over the course of four days, the visitors secured a 295-run victory over the Kangaroos. However, the next Test on the schedule is Australia’s chance to shine with the pink ball in Adelaide.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: Predicted changes in the Australia Playing 11 for the Adelaide Test

When Josh Hazlewood put the batters at the forefront to explain the loss in Perth, the seamer picked up quite a bit of slack. However, while it was not his place to criticize as a teammate, the batters have undeniably struggled this year. None of the Australian batters averages even 35 in the longest format this year. The highest is by wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who has managed an average of 33.55 with 302 runs in 10 innings. Steve Smith, who registered a golden duck against India in the BGT opener, is struggling with an average of 25.55 and has scored only 230 runs in 12 innings. Moreover, the vulnerablities of Marnus Labuschagne were laid bare as the batter managed a meager 2 off 52 deliveries at Optus.

However, Labuschagne holds the best stats for Australia when facing the pink ball. Having played eight day-night fixtures so far, Labuschagne has amassed 894 runs at an average of 63.85. Thus, Australia is likely to keep their faith in him for the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, the management may reflect on whether the decision to pick Nathan McSweeney over Sam Konstas for the squad was a sound one. McSweeney had never opened before the India A game ahead of the BGT. Nevertheless, the domestic star was chosen over Konstas for the squad.

After McSweeney failed to make an impact in Perth against the lethal attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas once again showcased his brilliance. The young batter scored a 90-ball century against India in the pink-ball warm-up match at the Manuka Oval. While Australia will mull over their selection choices, it appears likely that McSweeney will get another chance at the Adelaide Oval. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, though struggling, remain integral to Australia’s pink-ball plans. With much of the batting order in a slump, Australia is expected to field an unchanged lineup for the second BGT Test.

In the bowling department, the hosts are certain to make a change due to the injury of Josh Hazlewood. The team’s highest wicket-taker in the Perth Test, Hazlewood, has been ruled out of the Adelaide Test with a side strain. In his absence, Australia added Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett to the squad. However, it is all but certain that Scott Boland will step in for Hazlewood in Adelaide. Apart from Hazlewood, uncertainty surrounded the availability of pace all-rounder Mitchell Marsh after he experienced visible discomfort during the first Test. To cover for Marsh, Australia included all-rounder Beau Webster in the squad for the second Test. However, Marsh recently confirmed his fitness and is set to play at the Adelaide Oval.

Australia boasts an almost spotless record in pink-ball Tests. The Kangaroos have lost just one out of the 12 day-night Tests they have played so far. Furthermore, Australia is yet to be beaten in Adelaide with the pink ball. The side has won all seven day-night games at the venue, including the 2020 Test when India were bowled out for their historic low of 36 runs. While Australia didn’t manage to win that series, India still bears the weight of recording the lowest total in Test cricket.

Predicted Australia Playing 11 for Adelaide Test

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland