Exploring Australia’s likely XI for 1st Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy vs India in Perth

Australia is getting ready to host India in a five-match series which is slated to begin on 22nd November. The first match will be played in Perth before both sides get ready for the day and night game in Adelaide with the pink ball. Brisbane’s famous Gabba stadium will host the third Test match. 

After a short break, the teams will play the Boxing and New Year’s Day Test matches in Melbourne and Sydney. The home team are already set to miss out on all-rounder Cameron Green who is set to undergo surgery and will likely miss up to six months. 

Pat Cummins and his side haven’t won the Border Gavaskar Trophy since the 2014/15 season which played at home. Since then India has toured Australia twice and won both series. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also led India to series wins at home in 2017 and 2023. The last time India and Australia played a Test was the WTC final in 2023 which the Aussies won to claim the title. 

Here's the likely Australian XI for 1st Test vs India 

Openers - Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja 

19-year-old Sam Konstas is likely to be drafted in as the new opener for Australia during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Steve Smith is set to revert to his number 4 spot in the batting. The young batter from New South Wales began the season well with twin hundreds against South Australia. Veteran opener Cameron Bancroft can be another option if the Aussies are looking for experience at the top. Usman Khawaja who turns 38 during the series will be the senior batting partner at the top of the order for Australia. 

Middle-order – Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Alex Carey 

Team India will be wary of the fact that Australia’s 2 best batters will bat at number 3 and 4. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith both have had great success against India in the past. The two batters have a penchant for scoring big runs on the board and can grind out any bowling attack. Travis Head has already played two match-winning knocks against India in key ICC finals. Alex Carey will be the wicketkeeper and can also chip in with crucial runs when needed. 

Lower middle-order- Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc 

With Cameron Green sidelined, Australia will hope that Mitchell Marsh can bowl a few overs. The 33-year-old is also very destructive with the bat and can use the long handle against the spinners. Skipper Pat Cummins will be hungry to set the record straight and help his side win the BGT 2024 title and end their 10-year wait. Team India will be looking at Mitchell Starc as a huge threat with the new ball. The left-arm pacer is a proven match-winner in the longest format of the game. 

Bowlers – Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood 

This could very well be the last time that Nathan Lyon will play against India and go into battle with R. Ashwin. The veteran Aussie spinner has always troubled Indian batters and had a fair share of success with the ball. Josh Hazlewood will always be at the throat of Indian batters with his nagging line length and ability to swing the ball. His battles against Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in Perth could set the tone for the series. 

Likely Australia XI

Sam Konstas, Usman Khwaja, Marnus Labushagne, Steve Smith, Alex Carey (WK), Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood