India have suffered a significant blow ahead of the fifth Test set in the series against Australia in SCG. Pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out due to a stiff back. Deep has taken 5 wickets in the 2 matches he has featured in the series so far.
“Akash Deep is out with a back problem,” the India coach confirmed Gautam Gambhir during a pre-match press conference.
The 28-year-old bowled 87.5 overs in the entire series and took 5 wickets. However, his numbers could have been better, but the missed opportunities negated that. The cause of his injury is believed to be unknown. BCCI is trying to manage his workload to make it fit on time.
Replacement Dilemma: Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna?
INDIA now faces a difficult decision in finalization Akash Deepreplacement of Either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna likely to interfere. Harshit Rana played 2 matches in the series earlier. He impressed with 4 wickets in the First Test in Perth but failed to make a mark in Adelaide.
India go down 1-2 in the series and need to win in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gambhir's selection choices throughout the series have already come under scrutiny, especially after decking out experienced spinners Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin in Perth.
Australia's Brave Call: Webster in, Marsh Out
Australia has also made changes, falling Mitchell Marsh due to its poor performance. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster will make his Test debut.
“Mitch knows he hasn't scored enough runs,” Cummins said, addressing Marsh's dismissal. Marsh managed just 73 runs in seven innings and took just three wickets throughout the series.
Webster, a 29-year-old all-rounder, now has the chance to make an impact in his first outing.
Selection controversies from both sides
The selection strategies of both teams have been hot topics throughout the series. India's decision to change the top ranking – down KL Rahul lower down the order and promote an out of form Rohit Sharma— has left fans puzzled. Meanwhile, Australia's persistence with Marsh, despite his poor form, finally gave way to Webster's inclusion.
India also raised eyebrows by fielding three all-rounders in Melbourne, leaving their batting order unsettled. Nitish Kumar Reddythe promotion and exclusion of Shubman Gill further upset the team's balance.
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