India and Australia will be involved in four Tests in February and March this year. These games will have a lot of relevance when it comes to the final of the World Test Championship. Having been in good form, Australia would want to leave a mark in India. On that note, here, we take a look at likely Australia’s strongest playing 11 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Feb-Mar 2023.
Openers: David Warner and Usman Khawaja
David Warner and Usman Khawaja will be the openers in Australia’s strongest playing 11 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Feb-Mar 2023. Usman Khawaja almost scored 500 runs against Pakistan in early 2022. In this form, he is sure to take up one slot. David Warner returned to form with a brilliant double century in his 100th Test. He has played a lot in India and hence, will be a vital member of this XI.
Middle-Order: Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Alex Carey (WK)
Australia has arguably the best middle-order in Tests right now. While Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are undroppable names, Travis Head has also made the No.5 spot his own. However, he is not known to do well against spin. Hence, it would be a challenge for him. Alex Carey has been doing well and had a fine outing against Pakistan in 2022. Hence, he will be the keeper of the side.
All-Rounders: Cameron Green (If Fit) / Ashton Agar
If Cameron Green is not fit, Australia could have a few issues. They do not have an established spin-bowling all-rounder since Glenn Maxwell is also injured. Ashton Agar would be a decent choice but Australia must take a decision if he is good enough with the bat to operate at No.11.
🚨 #ICYMI, Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green have been ruled out of the third #AUSvSA Test
Starc is in doubt for the upcoming #INDvAUS tour as well, while Green is expected to be fit for the India series beginning from February 2023
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 29, 2022
Bowlers: Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Swepson and Nathan Lyon
Mitchell Starc’s injury could rule him out of the series against India. At least, for the first Test, he will not be fit. Hence, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will be a part of the pace attack. Australia has had the spin combination of Swepson and Lyon in recent months. That is unlikely to be changed. Lyon, as expected, will be the most important bowler in this line-up.
