India’s top-seven takes shape amid Perth rain and intense nets

India's Top-seven Takes Shape Amid Perth Rain and Intense Nets

Top Batter Lineup Emerging

With the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy series just around the corner, India's top batting line-up is starting to take shape. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal look set to form the top-order, with Devdutt Padikkal and Rishabh Pant solidifying their spots at number 3 and 5 respectively.

Dhruv Jurel Impresses in the Nets

Dhruv Jurel, a 23-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, has been impressing everyone in the nets. He has been batting stylishly and has looked solid in his knock in the match simulation at the WACA. His presence in the cordon has sparked Talk of him making a return to the Test XI as a specialist batter.

Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran Join the Fray

Sarfaraz Khan, the incumbent No 6 for India, has been batting in the nets and has also spent some time at first slip. Abhimanyu Easwaran, the specialist opener picked in the squad, has been a quiet bystander for large parts of training but has finally gotten a chance to face a few deliveries.

Bowling Attack Takes Shape

India's bowling attack is starting to take shape, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj set to share the new-ball. The intrigue surrounds the identity of the third member of the pace attack, with Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana looking like the front-runners.

R Ashwin and Washington Sundar Join the Test Squad

R Ashwin and Washington Sundar have joined the Test squad, with Ashwin looking set to play a vital role in the middle-order. The veteran off-spinner has bowled for over an hour during the centre-wicket net session at the WACA on Sunday.

Key Decisions to be Made

India still has a few key decisions to make before the first Test kicks off in Perth. Will they pick a fourth seamer in Rana, or will they take a punt on Nitish Kumar Reddy? The team management will have to weigh their options carefully before making a final decision.

Expected Playing XI:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (Openner)
• KL Rahul (Openner)
• Devdutt Padikkal (3)
• Virat Kohli (4)
• Rishabh Pant (5)
• Dhruv Jurel (6)
• R Ashwin (7)
• Washington Sundar (8)
• Jasprit Bumrah (Captain)
• Mohammed Siraj (Fast Bowler)
• Prasidh Krishna (Fast Bowler)