‌IND vs AUS | Rahul and Easwaran likely contenders to fill Rohit’s void in Perth Test

ByArijit Kundu, SportsCafe Editor

11/06/2024

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are likely to open the innings against Australia A for the second unofficial Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to drop himself down to the middle order to make space for Rahul.

Having lost the first unofficial Test at Mackay by seven wickets, India A are all set to square off against Australia A in the second and final game of the tour, starting November 7. The visitors are slated to make a few amendments with a change in opening pair likely on the cards. Captain Gaikwad looks set to drop himself to the middle order with Rahul and Easwaran opening, and Dhruv Jurel replacing Ishan Kishan to take over the wicketkeeper’s role.

Rahul and Jurel arrived Down Under early for the second unofficial Test ahead of the upcoming five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy. Indian captain Rohit Sharma has hinted at his unavailability for the opening Test at Perth, leaving a void for the opener’s spot alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Easwaran made it to the squad as the third opener for the series with Rahul having already donned the hat of an opening batter for large parts of his cricketing career. Also, Jurel who was stellar with the bat during the Test series against England in the absence of Pant might get a chance to apply himself in Aussie conditions. India A might make a few amendments to the bowling lineup as well.

The Border Gavaskar Trophy starts on November 22 with the first Test to be staged at Perth.