Ex-coach Darren Lehmann picks Australia's playing XI for the first Test against India

There is a lot of buzz for the upcoming Test series between India and Australia. Both the teams have been very competitive when it comes to facing each other on the field. The Border Gavaskar Trophy last year was a sublime proof of the level of passion and aggression when pitted against one another. Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann decided to name his playing XI for the first Test at Adelaide.

Australia’s recent form in either format of the game hasn’t been up to the mark, owing to the ban on key players David Warner and Steve Smith for the ball tampering scandal. Also the fact that Team India has never won a Test series here, it promises to be a spectacle.

Finch and Harris to open, Usman Khawaja should bat at No.3

Following the ball tampering controversy that erupted in March during the South African tour, Lehmann stepped down as the Australian coach. Ahead of the first Test against India, he is of the opinion that Aaron Finch should open the batting with Marcus Harris. Lehman wants Usman Khawaja to come bat at No. 3. He was Australia’s best batsman in the UAE tour.

“Play Finch at the top of the order and let’s see how he goes. Harris should be his opening partner. In the mould of Justin Langer, he is very expansive. Has had a big shield season. Khawaja has been so good at three for me in Australia while Shaun Marsh’ record in Australia has been outstanding.” Lehmann was quoted as saying by FoxSports.

Mitchell Marsh will start the summer

With Australia having a fair bit of left-handers, Lehmann feels that either of Travis Head or Peter Handscomb should play depending upon the opposition. He backed Mitchell Marsh to be in the starting XI owing to his recent century in domestic cricket. Lehmann is quite sure of the bowling combination that will play in Adelaide.

“If Ravindra Jadeja plays, I’d go with Travis Head. However, if Ravichandran Ashwin plays you need a right-hander like Peter Handscomb. Mitchell Marsh also scored good hundred against Queensland. Needs to perform no doubt. He starts the summer. Tim Paine is the captain and the wicketkeeper. The bowlers pick themselves, our bowling is really strong, so we play Pat, Mitch, Nathan and Josh Hazlewood.” he added.

Here’s Lehmann’s predicted XI for Australia:

Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head/Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (C) (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

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