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The fifth and final Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between Australia and India will take place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on January 3. Australia are currently leading the five-match series by 2-1 over the visitors. Now ahead of the last game, Australian former pacer Daniel Fleming makes selection of India’s playing XI for the Sydney game.
Damien Fleming predicts India’s playing XI: No place for Rohit Sharma
In his column for The Roar, Fleming has been outspoken regarding India’s selection struggles in the ongoing series. One of the key points he has emphasized is the exclusion of Rohit Sharma from India’s playing XI.
Rohit’s prolonged poor form, having managed just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.2. His dismal form across his last 15 Test innings, with only one 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 remarked,
“The word on the street is that Rohit is going to be dropped! He hasn’t looked like getting runs whatsoever, whether batting in the middle order or opening. It is unbelievable to think pre-series, but Rohit coming back after the successful Test has unbalanced this team, and his captaincy became very reactive,” Fleming said.
New top-order combination for India
Fleming proposed a shift in India’s top-order to bring more stability and better performance in overseas conditions. He suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal should continue as the opener, as he has been one of India’s standout performers in the series.
Following Jaiswal, Fleming recommended moving KL Rahul back to his original role as an opener. Rahul has struggled in the middle order and was initially used as an opener before moving down the order. Fleming further suggested recalling Shubman Gill at No. 3. Gill’s technical soundness and adaptability have made him a reliable performer in recent Tests.
“I’d put Gill back in at No.3 and move KL Rahul back to opening. With Jaiswal, that is a top three to take to England,” the 54-year-old added.
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Prasidh Krishna or Akash Deep?
Fleming also pointed out the absence of Akash Deep, who has been ruled out of the fifth Test due to a back injury. To strengthen India’s bowling attack, Fleming recommended calling in Prasidh Krishna, who impressed during India A’s unofficial series against Australia A, picking up 10 wickets across two matches. Fleming stressed that India’s bowling attack needs fresh energy and Krishna’s pace could add depth to the attack. He noted,
“Akash Deep is out with a back issue, so Prasidh Krishna should be called in to replace him. With Bumrah back as captain, India has a chance to bounce back in the final Test,” the former right-arm pacer stated.
Spinners’ role for the Sydney Test
Fleming highlighted the key role of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in India’s spin department. He emphasized that both spinners are crucial, especially in Australian conditions, where the pitches tend to aid spin as the game progresses.
“If it is a good batting track they have good spin options, so they’ve actually already made the changes that can help them, as in they’ve got Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to provide quality spin,” the current cricketer commentator reckoned.
Jadeja’s all-around 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
Fleming lauded Jasprit Bumrah’s efforts throughout the series, emphasizing that he has been India’s most consistent performer with the ball. Bumrah’s leadership in the opening Test, where India secured 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 a settled 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 take the series 3-1 and get themselves into the World Test Championship decider,” Fleming concluded.
