Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has suggested that including Akash Deep in the playing XI for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide could provide India with a new attacking option. With India set to play at Adelaide Stadium, a venue that has witnessed a significant and painful chapter in Indian cricket history, Shastri believes the move could make a difference in the team’s approach to the Australian batting line-up.

A Dark Memory From Adelaide For India

The Indian team will walk onto the Adelaide Oval on Friday with the memories of their lowest point in Test cricket fresh in their minds. Four years ago, India was bowled out for a historic low of 36/9 during a Test match, a haunting performance that remains etched in the country’s cricketing history.

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Harshit Rana’s Impressive Debut In Perth

In the first Test against Australia in Perth, Harshit Rana grabbed attention with a strong debut performance. Despite India’s batting collapse, which saw them dismissed for just 150, Rana, alongside Mohammed Siraj, provided vital support to Jasprit Bumrah. In his first innings, he claimed 3/48 in a 15.2-over spell. However, in the second innings, the pitch became less responsive, and Rana struggled to maintain his earlier form. Yet, it was his only wicket as Alex Carey was the last one to fall in the Test.

The second Test at Adelaide will pose new challenges before the Indian team. The pink ball is something which differs from the red ball used in Test cricket, making the selection of the pace unit all the more significant.

Ravi Shastri Backs Akashdeep

Shastri feels Akash Deep’s inclusion can provide India with a much-needed boost in the unknown conditions of Adelaide. With seam and swing potential, Shastri feels Akash is more suitable for these conditions than other pace bowlers in the team. Going by his assessment of the pitch, Shastri made a point that the right pace combination has to be chosen for the match.

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‘Akashdeep Should Be A Mix’ Says Shastri

“The only thing that you must remember, is this is a pink-ball Test. I know Harshit Rana did very well in that Test match, but the pink ball with extra lacquer, it’s a little harder and might seam around a bit and swing. [That’s] where I think Akash Deep should be in the mix,” Shastri said on the ICC Review.

The 2nd Test will be starting from December 6 and team India will be looking forward to continue their win streak.