Era-defining perception at play as Australia aim to level in Adelaide

Rohit Sharma addressed the media on the eve of his first-ever pink-ball Test in this part of the world, discussing his decision to return to the middle-order and the reasons behind it. He was candid about the challenges he faces in shifting back to the middle-order, but insisted it was a call taken for the team's sake.

The current atmosphere in Australia is significant, with this upcoming Test at the Adelaide Oval being considered a defining moment for the team. Australia's loss of the last two Tests on home soil will be crucial in determining their reaction to the unique position they are in.

Rohit Sharma's return to the playing XI marks a significant change for the team, and the outcome of this Test will have a huge bearing on the immediate and long-term future of this current breed of Australian Test cricketers.

When: December 6-10, 2024, 14:30 PM (Local Time), 15:00 PM (AEST), 09:30 AM (IST)

Where: Australia v India, 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

What to expect: The Adelaide summer is expected to be warm, with temperatures soaring on Thursday. A thunderstorm is likely to follow the heat, and the pitch is expected to clear from Day 2 onwards, adding a layer of spice to the contest.

Australia:

• Scott Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI.
• Mitchell Marsh retains his place in the side as a specialist batter.
• The rest of the team remains unchanged.

India:

• Rohit Sharma returns to the playing XI in a different position.
• Shubman Gill returns after a thumb injury.
• R Ashwin gets a go for the first time this series ahead of Washington Sundar.
• The rest of the team remains unchanged.

Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, R Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj