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The fifth and final test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between Australia and India will take place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 3. Australia currently leads the five-match series 2-1 over the visitors. Now, facing the final match, the former Australian pacer Daniel Fleming makes India’s XI selection for the Sydney match.
Damien Fleming predicts India’s XI: no place for Rohit Sharma
In his column for The roarFleming has been frank about India’s selection struggles in the ongoing series. One of the key points that has been highlighted is the Rohit Sharma exclusion of India’s XI.
Rohit’s prolonged poor form, who managed just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.2. His dismal form in his last 15 Test innings, with just a half-century, has raised serious questions about his contribution to the team. Fleming believed that Rohit’s leadership had become reactive and his poor form had contributed to India’s current challenges. Fleming commented:
“The word on the street is that Rohit will be eliminated! He hasn’t seemed to get runs at all, whether batting in the middle order or opening. It is incredible to think about the pre-series, but Rohit’s return after the successful Test has unbalanced this team and his captaincy has become very reactive.” Fleming said.
New world-class combination for India
Fleming proposed a change in India’s top order to achieve more stability and better performance in outdoor conditions. He suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal He should continue as an opener as he has been one of India’s standout performers in the series.
Following Jaiswal, Fleming recommended moving KL Rahul back to his original role as opener. Rahul has struggled in the middle order and was initially used as an opener before moving down the order. Fleming also suggested remembering Shubman Gill at No. 3. Gill’s technical strength and adaptability have made him a reliable performer in recent testing.
“I would put Gill back at No.3 and move KL Rahul to the opener. With Jaiswal, they are the first three to take to England.” the 54-year-old added.
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Prasidh Krishna or Deep Akash?
Fleming also noted the absence of Deep Akashwho has been ruled out for the fifth test due to a back injury. To strengthen India’s bowling attack, Fleming recommended calling Prasidh Krishnawho impressed during India A’s unofficial series against Australia A, earning 10 wickets in two games. Fleming emphasized that India’s bowling attack needs fresh energy and Krishna’s pace could add depth to the attack. He noticed,
“Akash Deep is out due to a backlog so Prasidh Krishna must be called in to replace him. With Bumrah back as captain, India has a chance to bounce back in the final Test.” stated the former right-arm pacer.
The role of spinners in the Sydney Test
Fleming highlighted the key role of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the spinning department of India. He emphasized that both spinners are crucial, especially in Australian conditions where pitches tend to help generate spin as the game progresses.
“If it’s a good batting track, they have good spin options, so they have actually already made the changes that can help them, like they have Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to provide quality spin.” calculated the current cricket commentator.
Jadeja’s all-round capabilities have been a huge asset for India as he offers control with his left-arm spin and contributes with the bat when required. Similarly, Sundar’s spin adds depth and variety to India’s bowling attack.
Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership and bowling excellence
Fleming praised Jasprit Bumrah’s efforts throughout the series, emphasizing that he has been India’s most consistent player with the ball. Bumrah’s leadership in the opening Test, where India achieved a dominant victory, has been commendable. Fleming highlighted that Bumrah’s ability to lead and deliver under pressure is invaluable, especially in the absence of an established captaincy. Fleming concluded:
“Bumrah, back as captain like in the first Test, will be a constant threat but I will back the Australians to win and take the series 3-1 and get into the decider of the World Test Championship.” Fleming concluded.
