India have returned victorious from their previous two Test tours of Australia and are eyeing a hat-trick this time around.
With less than a month remaining before the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway, the Indian selectors are expected to name the squad by the end of October. It’s a possibility that India name a jumbo squad for the five-match tour which could mean the return of the vastly experienced Cheteshwar Pujara back into national reckoning.
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According to news agency PTI, the India Test squad for the Australia tour could be unveiled on October 28.
Pujara last played for India in the final of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship following which he was dropped and reports claimed that the selectors are looking ahead into the future. The Team could be tempted to give the veteran another look given his past performances in Australia.
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Pujara finished as the leading run-getter of the 2018-19 tour having scored 521 runs and in the following series, scored 271 runs as the tourists bounced back from a Test down to claim 2-1 win. His ability to absorb pressure and wear out the opponent bowlers could prove to be vital.
There are various reports claiming India might also consider fast-bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur despite his recent performances. Thakur did leave an impact on the previous tour where India were depleted after several players were injured during the course of the series.
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Allrounder Nitish Reddy, who made an impression during a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, is also in the mix. He has also been picked in the India A squad for the shadow tour of Australia.
The big concern though remains Mohammed Shami who recently said he’s pain-free while revealing his wish to play a Ranji Trophy match to assess his match fitness before taking the flight to Australia. It’s being reported that Shami might not be available for the initial part of the tour.
The Indian team is in the midst of a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home which they trail 0-1 after losing the opening match in Bengaluru.
