By Slogger
First publised on 2021-01-14 03:21:07
As the fourth and final Test starts in Brisbane tomorrow, the Indian team is grappling with the problem of injuries to its frontline players and even some on the bench. Hence, while top pacer Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful (the team management does not want to risk playing him), Ravindra Jadeja is out with a fracture and Hanuma Vihari has not recovered from his hamstring injury. K L Rahul is also out and so is Umesh Yadav. Mohammad Shami was already out due to injury.
Hence, when the team trained at the Gabba, it was seen that Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar were pressed into service. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the team to pick its best players although it has done a wonderful job of giving the Aussies a run for their money despite being hit by injuries. The team at Brisbane will wear a completely new look due to this.
The opening slots are secure with both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill displaying great form at the top. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkye Rahane will continue to do duty at number 3 and 4. But thereafter, the problems will start. With Vihari and Rahul both not in a position to play, the middle order will be brittle. If matters come to a crunch, India will have to play Rishabh Pant as a batsman and induct Wridhhiman Saha to keep wickets.
On the bowling front, India might have to bring in Kuldeep Yadav in place of Jadeja but that will weaken the batting as Jadeja lends solidity down the order. Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur will then comprise an inexperienced pace attack. The onus will then be on the batsman to put enough runs on the board to give their bowlers a chance to engage the Australians competitively. It will be exciting to watch how these new players measure up to the might of the Australians.