BGT: Shreyas Iyer set for return in Delhi Test, Australia have choice dilemma 

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India are prone to exchange Suryakumar Yadav with fit-again Shreyas Iyer for the 2nd Test, beginning February 17 in Delhi. Australia, then again, has a number of choice points to take care of forward of their must-win match.

Shreyas Iyer is prone to return to the second Test in Delhi (AFP Photo)

By Akshay Ramesh: The pitch debate hasn’t been as intense because it was within the Nagpur Test. 2 days away from the 2nd Test, the main target has been on getting the preparations proper. Australia, as Rahul Dravid expects, will need to have realized invaluable classes from the innings and 132-run defeat within the first Test.

India would have hoped for a stern check towards the touring Australians, the World No. 1 aspect, after having steamrolled opposition previously. However, India gained the first Test in Nagpur inside 3 days, strolling to a 1-0 lead within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India can be trying ahead to creating use of the successful run and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as early because the 2nd Test in Delhi.

The consideration has turned in direction of getting the crew mixture proper. India may need sealed an emphatic victory to set the tone early within the collection however the hosts would look to verify they get the mixture proper.

Shreyas Iyer’s return from harm is an enormous increase to India as the center order seemed wobbly in Nagpur. Iyer has been one of many high performers for India in 2022, having scored 409 runs in 5 Tests.

IYER GOOD UNDER PRESSURE: DRAVID

Head coach Rahul Dravid, talking to the press on Wednesday, stated Shreyas Iyer will return to the XI straightaway, offered he’s match sufficient for the rigorous of the Test match.

“If he’s fit and ready to go and ready to take the load of a five-day Test match, then it is without a doubt that his performance means he will walk straight into the side,” Dravid stated.

Dravid heaped reward on Iyer’s skill to deal with strain, saying that the Mumbai batter together with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja have discovered methods to bail the crew out of hassle fairly just a few instances previously.

“Shreyas has played well against spin, but what’s really stood out has been his temperament. We’ve been in quite a few pressure situations with Shreyas around, right from the first Test match that he played, his debut game in Kanpur.” he added.

“It’ll be nice to have him back, and he certainly has been one of our better players, he deserves it, and people in the team understand that as well. They know that if they are replacing someone who is injured, that person will probably come back, and the same thing will be followed for them as well – if they get injured, hopefully, we’ll be able to give them the same treatment as well.”

India even have Shubman Gill ready within the wings and there’s exterior noise about KL Rahul’s place within the aspect however the vice-captain is prone to get one other alternative, if no more, on the high of the order. Rahul goes by way of a lean patch however he had accomplished nicely in England and South Africa in 2021-22 season.

STARC, GREEN FIT FOR 2ND TEST?

On the opposite hand, Australia have just a few choice complications as they give the impression of being to choose themselves up from the hammering.

The guests can be mighty relieved in the event that they get Mitchell Starc match for the 2nd Test. The left-arm pacer, who underwent surgical procedure for a finger harm sustained within the Boxing Day Test, stated he would have hoped to be at a greater stage together with his restoration however would do the whole lot in his limits to be accessible for the must-win match.

“It’s progressing – not as fast as I would have liked, but it’s as planned in terms of the medical stuff. There’s a few boxes to tick, but it’s on track,” Starc stated.

“I’d like to be a little further down the road, yeah.”

On the opposite hand, Australia are fretting over the restoration of Cameron Green, who is essential to the guests getting their mixture proper. Green had scans on his injured finger earlier this week and has been coaching with the crew for the reason that begin of his first Test. However, he reportedly had discomfort whereas batting on the nets in Delhi on Wednesday.

In the absence of Green, Australia will miss a confirmed all-rounder and it would have an effect on their plans to play 3 spinners. Australia performed two off-spinners in Nathan Lyon and debutant Todd Murphy in Nagpur however missed somebody who might take the ball away from the left-hander.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald hinted at the potential of Australia taking part in 3 spinners after having flown in left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann for the 2nd Test. However, it will rely upon Green’s availability.

Australia even have one other tough concern across the opener’s slot as senior opener David Warner seemed fully out of contact in Nagpur. It stays to be seen if the guests will take the large name to drop one among their greatest match-winners however having not performed Travis Head in Nagpur, Australia would need to slot the in-form batter in.

Head changing Matt Renshaw, who managed simply 2 runs within the first Test, is another choice for the 2nd Test.

Published On:

Feb 15, 2023