IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Preview, stats, and Fantasy XI
India are gearing up to host Australia in the second game of the four-match series. While the home time is eyeing an unassailable 2-0 lead, the Aussies would look to square the series. Rohit Sharma's men would step into the game as firm favorites, having clinched the series opener by an inning and 132 runs. Here's the preview of the contest.
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. Since 1987, India have never lost a Test here. The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network (9:30 AM IST) 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.
Iyer, Starc are back in the mix
Having recovered from his back injury, Shreyas Iyer is likely to replace Suryakumar Yadav in the India XI. If fit, Mitchell Starc might replace fellow pacer Scott Boland. Travis Head might also come in place of Matt Renshaw. Meanwhile, there's also a prospect of Australia fielding three spinners if pace-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green is fit to bowl at full capacity.
A look at the Probable XI of both sides
India (Probable XI): Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav Australia (Probable XI): Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper), Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins (Captain), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy
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, off-spinner 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.
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Options
Fantasy XI (Options 1): Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara (VC), Marnus Labuschagne, Ravichandran Ashwin (C), Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Todd Murphy, Mohammed Shami Fantasy XI (Options 2): Alex Carey, KL Rahul, Steve Smith (VC), Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Marnus Labuschagne, Ravindra Jadeja (C), Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Todd Murphy
