Australia, December 6, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau)- Rohit Sharma returned in one of three changes to India’s starting lineup from the series-opening win over Australia and opted to bat first after winning the toss to start the second test on Friday.
Sharma missed the first test in Perth last week to be at home for the birth of his second child and paceman Jasprit Bumrah led India to a lopsided victory to start the five-match series.
Australia made one change with Scott Boland recalled to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood, who sustained a side strain while taking match figures of 5-57 from 34 overs in Australia’s heavy 295-run defeat in the first test.
Australia and India have met in only one day-night test previously – at the same venue in 2020, where India was bowled out for 36 runs in its second innings to lose by eight wickets.
It was India’s only loss in four pink-ball tests since 2019, having beaten Bangladesh, England and Sri Lanka at home.
Australia has played more pink ball tests than any other nation – 12 – and has lost only once, its most recent game against West Indies in Brisbane in January.
India has three changes, with Sharma returning in the middle order after India retained the opening pairing of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal following their match-winning 201-run partnership in Perth.
Summary: India introduces three new players, elects to bat first in the second cricket Test against Australia. Key adjustments aim to bolster performance after first Test challenges.