#IndiaInAustralia: India announce their 13-man squad for SCG Test
The BCCI has announced the 13-man squad for the fourth Test against Australia that will be played at the SCG starting Thursday. Senior spinner R Ashwin has been named in the squad, but the decision on his participation will be taken on the day of the match. India lead the four-match series 2-1. Here is more on the squad announced.
Here is India's 13-man squad
Ace spinner Ashwin likely to sit out
Ashwin, who suffered an abdominal strain on the fourth day of the first Test in Adelaide, was seen training on Tuesday. It's unlikely that the management will risk playing Ashwin, given he has missed action post Adelaide. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who played in Melbourne, is likely to keep his place in the side. Jaddu impressed with the ball and claimed five scalps.
India could opt for two spinners
Kuldeep Yadav has been named in the 13-man squad and the left-arm spinner could be given a go. Kuldeep is yet to feature in this series. The Indian management can hand the player a chance and allow him to play alongside Jadeja. The Sydney pitch is likely to have something for the spinners and India could be tempted to opt for two spinners.
India have to decide on KL Rahul
KL Rahul has returned to the scheme of things for India. He was dropped for the third Test after a poor run of matches. With Rohit Sharma opting out of the SCG Test, Rahul sees his name in the mix. If he is given the chance to feature, then make-shift opener Hanuma Vihari will play in his natural middle order position.
India's approach the key for fourth Test
Pacer Ishant Sharma will miss this Test and Umesh Yadav could get a look in. It remains to be seen whether Kohli will opt for a 6-5 (batting, bowling combination) or stick to the regular 7-4. Barring Ashwin, all 12 players are in with a shout. If the skipper selects five bowlers, then Jadeja could come in at number seven.
Here is the likely XI for India
Here is the likely XI for the fourth Test: 1) Mayank Agarwal, 2) Hanuma Vihari , 3) Cheteshwar Pujara, 4) Virat Kohli (c), 5) Ajinkya Rahane, 6) Rishabh Pant (wk), 7) Ravindra Jadeja, 8) Kuldeep Yadav, 9) Mohammed Shami, 10) Umesh Yadav, 11) Jasprit Bumrah.
