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The fifth and last test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between Australia i India will take place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on January 3. Australia currently lead the five-match series 2-1 over the visitors. Now ahead of the last game, the former Australian pacer Daniel Fleming makes an India XI selection for the Sydney match.
Damien Fleming predicts India’s playing XI: No place for Rohit Sharma
In his column for the roarFleming has been open about India’s selection struggles in the ongoing series. One of the key points he stressed is the exclusion of Rohit Sharma of India playing XI.
Rohit’s prolonged poor form, having managed just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.2. His poor form in his last 15 Test innings, with just a half-century, has raised serious doubts about his contribution to the team. Fleming believed that Rohit’s leadership has become reactive and his poor form has contributed to India’s ongoing challenges. Fleming said:
“Word on the street is that Rohit will be dropped! He hasn’t seemed to have any runs, whether batting in the middle order or opening. It’s amazing to think about the pre-series, but Rohit’s comeback after the success of the test has thrown this team off balance, and his captaincy has become very reactive.” Fleming said.
New top order combination for India
Fleming proposed a change in India’s top order to bring more stability and better performance in overseas conditions. He suggested it Yashasvi Jaiswal he should continue as the opener as he has been one of India’s standout performers in the series.
After Jaiswal, Fleming recommended moving KL Rahul return to his original role as opener. Rahul has struggled in the middle order and was initially used as an opener before moving down the order. Fleming suggested in addition to remembering Shubman Gill at number 3. Gill’s technical soundness and adaptability have made him a reliable performer in recent Tests.
“I’d put Gill back at No.3 and bring KL Rahul back to the opener. With Jaiswal, that’s a top three to bring in for England.” added the 54-year-old.
READ also: Australia or India? Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist predict the winner of the Sydney Test
Prasidh Krishna or Akash Deep?
Fleming also noted the absence of Akash Deepwho has been ruled out of the fifth Test with a back injury. To bolster India’s bowling attack, Fleming recommended calling Prasidh Krishnawho impressed during India A’s unofficial series against Australia A, recovering 10 hatches in two games. Fleming highlighted that India’s bowling attack needs fresh energy and Krishna’s pace could add depth to the attack. He pointed out,
“Akash Deep is out with a back problem, so Prasidh Krishna should be called in to replace him. With Bumrah back as captain, India have a chance to bounce back in the final Test “. the former right-arm pacer stated.
Spinners role for Sydney Test
Fleming emphasized the key role of Ravindra Jadeja i Washington Sundar in the spin department of India. He emphasized that both spinners are crucial, especially in Australian conditions where pitches tend to help spin as the game progresses.
“If it’s a good batting pitch, they have good spin options, so they’ve already made the changes that can help them as they have Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to provide quality spin.” the current cricket commentator counted.
Jadeja’s all-round capabilities have been a major asset for India, offering control with his left-arm spin and contributing with the bat when needed. Similarly, Sundar’s off-spin adds depth and variety to India’s bowling attack.
Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership and bowling excellence
praised Fleming Jasprit Bumrah’s efforts throughout the series, noting that he has been India’s most consistent player with the ball. Bumrah’s leadership in the opening Test, where India cruised to a dominant victory, has been commendable. Fleming highlighted that Bumrah’s ability to lead and deliver under pressure is invaluable, especially in the absence of an established captaincy. Fleming concluded,
“Bumrah, back as captain like the first Test, will be a constant threat but I’m backing the Aussies to win it to win the series 3-1 and go into the World Test Championship decider.” Fleming concluded.
