IND vs AUS: Navdeep Saini to make Test debut in Sydney, Rohit Sharma replaces Mayank Agarwal

Rohit Sharma during nets session. (Source: Twitter/BCCI)

New Delhi: Navdeep Saini is all set to make his Test debut on Thursday. The 28-year-old seamer has been roped into the playing XI for the third Test, which will be played in Sydney. He replaces Umesh Yadav, who has been ruled out of the series after sustaining a calf injury during the second Test in Melbourne.  

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma will replace Mayank Agarwal in the playing XI. The star opener is expected to open the innings with young Shubman Gill, who made valuable contributions with the bat in the second Test. Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal has not been in the best of touch, as he could only accumulate 31 runs in four innings.  

NEWS - #TeamIndia announce Playing XI for the 3rd Test against Australia at the SCG.

Navdeep Saini is all set to make his debut.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/lCZNGda8UD — BCCI (@BCCI) January 6, 2021

In the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit has also been inducted as the team's vice-captain for the ongoing series. This will also be his first outing in Australia after gaining complete match fitness.  

Fast & furious! @navdeepsaini96 is all set for his Test debut at the @scg tomorrow. #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/gHMn4oUOk3

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 6, 2021

Acknowledging the value Rohit brings to the team, skipper Ajinkya Rahane said: "Rohit has been batting really well, the last couple of series, he has been playing as an opener, so you will definitely see him batting at the top."  

Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Navdeep Saini.