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India would have to make a choice between Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana as they are reportedly in a close contest for the third fast-bowling spot in the BGT opener.
Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna will be in close compeition for the third pacer’s slot. (Image: Instagram, AFP)
India’s up-and-coming fast-bowler, Harshit Rana could make a strong case to warrant his selection ahead of Prasidh Krishna as the third pacer in the playing 11 for the opening Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia in Perth which begins on November 22.
Rana despite having played only 10 first-class games for Delhi has made a massive rise above the ranks after his stellar performance in the Indian Premier League where he took 19 wickets in his debut season with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), has been consistent with his pace and his ability to extract bounce has impressed the higher-ups within the management. Even during the practice session at the WACA ground in Perth, he used his raw pace to good effect on multiple occasions.
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel had spent quite some time with Prasidh who was also fairly impressive during his two unofficial Tests for India A against Australia A in Mackay and Melbourne respectively. The 28-year-old pacer has already made his Test debut having played two Tests.
It is more or less settled that Jasprit Bumrah would lead the pace attack and Mohammed Siraj would be the second pacer to start. However, the third fast-bowling spot remains a mystery would be interesting to see if the selectors take a punt at Rana and hand him a debut in what would be a pressure situation or back the more experienced candidate in Prasidh.
India would look to extend their winning momentum in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but would need to do the impossible with wins in four Tests and one draw in the five-match affair to confirm their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the 2023-25 cycle. It is a given that the Indian pace-bowling attack would have a lot of responsibility to ensure that it does happen.
India will play Australia for the opening Test in Perth at the Optus Stadium and will later move to Adelaide for the pink-ball Test where the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to rejoin the squad.
(with PTI Inputs)
