We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Probable XIs
Shreyas Iyer is fit and will replace Suryakumar Yadav at No.5.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc had long practice sessions, but their fitness will be assessed again on the morning of Day 1.
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Peter Handscomb, Matt Renshaw/Travis Head/Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland/Mitchell Starc/Ashton Agar
Pitch Report
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
(Based on the last three games)
1st innings average score: 377
2nd innings average score: 255
3rd innings average score: 225
4th innings average score: 200
Wickets per innings: 8
Type: Good for batters and spinners
Wins
Batting 1st: 33%
Batting 2nd: 33%
Fantasy Tips of The Day
Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli both have played 21 games each against Australia, but Pujara’s numbers (1,900 runs at 52) push him slightly ahead of Kohli (1,694 at 47). At his home ground, however, Kohli (467 runs at 78) surpasses Pujara (248 at 50).
From the current lot, Shreyas Iyer has been the most successful batter for India since 2022. In five Tests, he accumulated 422 runs at 60. Above all, he is the only player from both teams to have a Best11 percentage of 100 in the last five contests.
At the venue, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have collectively picked up 46 wickets at a combined average of 18. However, Jadeja’s recent batting stats are far superior. In his last five Tests, he has scored two hundreds and as many fifties.
Marnus Labuschagne looked good until he lasted, using his feet effectively against spin. He averages 48 after six Tests against India.
Steven Smith’s overall average and his average in India read the same: 60. He will remain a popular pick for captaincy and vice-captaincy throughout the series.
Against India, Nathan Lyon has grabbed 95 wickets – of which 35 have come in India from 8 matches.
In the pace department, Mohammad Shami and Pat Cummins have impressive fantasy numbers. Both made it to the Best11 in four of the last five outings.
David Warner averages only 22 in India, scoring only three fifties in 25 innings.