IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Australia opt to bat
India are up against Australia in the second Test of the four-match series. While the home time is eyeing an unassailable 2-0 lead, the Aussies would look to square the series. India would step into the game as firm favorites, having clinched the series opener by an innings and 132 runs. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat.
Here are the two teams
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey(Wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins(Captain), Todd Murphy, Nathan Lyon, and Matthew Kuhnemann. India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(Captain), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(Wicket-keeper), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj.
Shreyas Iyer returns to the XI
Shreyas Iyer has returned to the Indian XI, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. For Australia, Travis Head and debutant left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann have replaced Matt Renshaw and Scott Boland, respectively.
Pitch report, timing, and broadcast details
The Arun Jaitley in Stadium, Delhi, which usually offers a spin-friendly surface, will host the duel. Sides batting first have won just six of the 36 Tests here with 342 being the average first-innings score. India have never lost a Test at this venue since 1987. The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on Disney+Hotstar (paid subscription).
Here's the head-to-head record
India and Australia have crossed swords in a total of 103 Tests so far. The Aussies have had the wood over the Indians, having won 43 of them. While India have won only 31 games, 28 of them have resulted in a draw (one tie). India have 22 wins and 13 defeats versus Australia at home in 51 Tests.
Here are the key performers
Skipper Rohit Sharma scored a fiery ton in the series opener (120). Spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja took eight and seven wickets, respectively, in Nagpur. For Australia, debutant Todd Murphy bagged a seven-wicket haul. The onus of scoring runs will be on Steve Smith who owns 722 runs in seven Tests in India with the help of three tons and a fifty.
