Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann names his Australia’s playing XI for the first Test against India at Adelaide.
As the year’s biggest cricket face-off begins, Former Australian Coach Darren Lehmann predicts the playing XI for Australia for the first test at Adelaide. Lehmann, who stepped down as the Australian coach owing to the Ball tampering controversy that aroused during the South African tour in March, thinks that Aaron Finch should open the batting with Marcus Harris, and Usman Khawaja to bat at number three, as Khawaja was Australia’s best batsman in the UAE tour.
“Play Finch at the top of the order and let’s see how he goes. Harris should be his opening partner. In the mold of Justin Langer, he is very expansive. Has had a big shield season. Khawaja has been so good at three for me in Australia while Shaun Marsh’ record in Australia has been outstanding.” Lehmann was quoted as saying by FoxSports.
With Australia having a handful of left-handers, Lehmann feels that the call should be made as per the situation. Lehmann is of the opinion that either Travis head or Peter Handscomb should play as per the situation demands. He also opted Mitchell Marsh to be in the starting XI owing to his recent century in domestic cricket. Lehmann is quite sure of the bowling combination that will play in Adelaide.
“If Ravindra Jadeja plays, I’d go with Travis Head. However, if Ravichandran Ashwin plays you need a right-hander like Peter Handscomb. Mitchell Marsh also scored a good hundred against Queensland. Needs to perform no doubt. He starts the summer. Tim Paine is the captain and the wicketkeeper. The bowlers pick themselves, our bowling is really strong, so we play Pat, Mitch, Nathan, and Josh Hazlewood.” he added.
Lehmann’s probable XI for Australia:
Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head/Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (C) (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
AUTHOR’S TAKE:
with the ban on key players David Warner and Steve Smith for the ball tampering scandal, Australia’s performance also hasn’t been that effective. But Also the fact that Team India has never won a Test series here, it will be a visually striking performance to watch out for.
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