AUS vs IND: Here’s why Shubman Gill is not playing the Boxing Day Test match against Australia

The highly anticipated Boxing Day test between India and Australia started at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the Australian captain Pat Cummins win the toss and opt to bat first. This fourth Test of the hard-fought series has attracted significant attention, with the series locked at 1-1.

The reason behind Shubman Gill’s absence

India made a notable change to their playing eleven by dropping the opener Shubman Gill in favor of all-terrain spin-bowling Washington Sundar. While the pattern of India Rohit Sharma He did not reveal the reasoning behind this move in the toss, the decision appears to be influenced by the spin-friendly nature of the surface, which is expected to favor spinners as the game progresses.

Shubman Gill’s struggles in the series may also have played a role in his exclusion. The young opener has scored just 60 runs in three innings, at an average of 20, and has appeared off-pace, with technical flaws surfacing during his time at the crease. with Ravichandran Ashwin unavailable, India probably prioritized balance in their line-up by adding a spinner who can contribute with the bat. Sundar’s inclusion provides depth to India’s batting while diversifying their bowling attack.

“We should have batted as well… we have to bowl well. The series is 1-1 and a lot to play for. We fought really well in that game (Brisbane).” Rohit said at the toss.

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Australia line-up changes for Christmas Day Test

Australia also made adjustments to their XI and debuted the youngster Constas himselfwho showed up in his Baggy Green earlier in the day. Konstas opened the entrances on the side Usman Khawajareplacing Nathan McSweeneywho was dropped despite a decent performance in the series. In addition, ace pacer Josh Hazlewood was discarded, paving the way Scott Boland appear in his absence. The reshuffle of the Australian line-up looked set to have an immediate impact in the crucial encounter.

Morning session: Sam Konstas destroys India’s bowling

Australia had a good start to the match, reaching 112/1 at lunch on the 1st. Debutant Constas himself impressed with an attacking approach, using unorthodox shots like ramp shots to unsettle the Indian pacers jasprit bumrah i Mohammed Siraj. His aggressive 60-run knock set the tone for Australia’s innings before he was dismissed by Ravindra Jadejawhich gave India its first breakthrough. At the break, Khawaja (38 not out) and Marnus Labuschagne (12 not out) were at the crease, with Australia holding the upper hand. Khawaja’s consistent presence and Labuschagne’s reputation as a prolific goalscorer remain crucial for Australia to further consolidate their position.

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