8th December, Adelaide: The opening test match of the 4 test match series between India and Australia will start on Tuesday. India will look to improve their overseas Test cricket record as the focus shifts back to the Test series against the grief-stricken Australians. Virat Kohli will be leading the side in absense of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is still recovering from a hairline fracture in his right thumb.
With medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar doubtful, India might field Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and the yet unproven Varun Aaron.
Kohli will have to choose between offie Ravichandran Ashwin and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Wriddhiman Saha will don the gloves.
Australia will be relieved to know that skipper Michael Clarke has recovered from a hamstring injury and the venue, home to Hughes, will spur the emotionally-drained home team to avenge their 0-4 away thrashing at the hands of the Indians March 2013.
Though the wicket at the Adelaide Oval is considered as one of the most batting-friendly pitches it will also have pace and bounce and will provide ample purchase for the spinners on the fourth and fifth days.
Live Score - India vs Australia
Teams:
India: Virat Kohli (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravindra Jadea, R Ashwin, Karn Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Varun Aaron, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, KL Rahul, Naman Ojha, MS Dhoni.
Australia: Michael Clarke (c), David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon. 12th man: Josh Hazlewood.