IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill, Umesh Yadav to replace KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami in India XI for Indore Test

The premier right-arm pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to be rested for the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series against Australia and veteran fast bowler Umesh Yadav is likely to replace him in the playing XI, reported the Indian Express.

The Indian team management has reportedly decided to provide rest to Shami to manage his workload, keeping in mind the jam-packed calendar.

Mohammed Shami only bowled 30.1 overs in the first two Tests. However, the management doesn’t want to take any risk as the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is already sidelined for a lengthy period and Mohammed Shami is expected to play a big role in the WTC final, if India qualify.

Also, India have a very reliable pace-bowling option in Umesh Yadav, who is a dangerous speedster, especially in Indian conditions. Notably, Umesh is the leading wicket-taker for India in home Tests since 2017.

The same report further stated that the young batting sensation Shubman Gill will walk into the playing XI for the third Test against Australia as a replacement for the out-of-form opening



batsman KL Rahul.

The 30-year-old KL Rahul has not looked at his best in the ongoing four-match Test series against the Aussies at home. He has registered scores of 20, 17 & 1 in the three innings he has batted so far. He was also sacked as the vice-captain of the Test team following a string of poor performances in the purest format of the game.

Meanwhile, the first Test between India and Australia was played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur. The Aussies were bundled out for 177 & 91 in their two innings and the Men In Blue won by an innings and 132 runs.

The second Test between Rohit Sharma-led side and the Pat Cummins-led side was played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Australia batted better this time around and posted 263 & 113 on the board. However, it was not at all enough as India managed to secure a 6-wicket victory.

The third Test of the series will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore from March 1 to 5. Notably, Steve Smith is set to lead the Aussies in the third Test in the absence of captain Pat Cummins.