NEW DELHI: India face a must-win situation in the decisive fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Trailing 1-2 in the series, the team is grappling with skipper Rohit Sharma's poor form, as the veteran opener has failed to cross double digits in five innings.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir declined to confirm captain Rohit's inclusion but expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back.
Gambhir addressed the pre-match media conference on Thursday, ahead of the pivotal Test, confirming pacer Akash Deep's unavailability due to a back injury. "Akash Deep is out because he got a back issue. That's the only injury concern," Gambhir said, quashing speculations of any further fitness issues within the squad.
Regarding the team's playing XI for the series decider, Gambhir maintained that the decision would be taken on match day after assessing the pitch conditions. "We will look at the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow," he stated.
Emphasizing the team's focus, Gambhir underlined the importance of the Sydney Test for the players and the management. "The only conversation we have in the team is how to win the next Test match, as we all know how important this Test is," the former opener said.
When asked why skipper Rohit Sharma was not addressing the pre-match press conference, Gambhir brushed off any concerns, clarifying it was a routine decision.
"Everything is fine with Rohit. I don't think there is anything traditional about it. The head coach is here, that should be fine. That should be good enough. And we have to look at the wicket to finalise the playing XI tomorrow," he said bluntly.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Beau Webster will make his Test debut in the final match, replacing Mitch Marsh, becoming the 469th men's Test player for Australia. Cummins also assured fans of Mitchell Starc's participation despite the pacer nursing a rib niggle. "He was never going to miss this one," Cummins remarked, highlighting Starc's determination to play.
Australia, leading the series 2-1, will aim to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney with a refreshed lineup, while India remain focused on leveling the series.
