A GLIMPSE INTO INDIA'S 'PLAYING 11' OPTIONS FOR PERTH TEST

The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium is shaping to be one of the most eagerly-awaited matches not only because of the competitive spirit of the two teams and past series outcomes but also because of circumstances.

Australia, holders of ICC World Test Championship 2023, will seek to regain glory against India on home soil with Pat Cummins having proved himself as an efficient captain.

India, who recently suffered their first home Test series loss in 12 years by New Zealand and that too a 0-3 whitewash, have a lot to prove in the seires with their chances of making to the WTC final also on the line.

Here is what their playing eleven could look like:

THE TOP THREE

A full-strength India side would have had skipper Rohit Sham1a opening with explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by an in-form, assured batter Shubman Gill at three. But currently, Sharma is away from Australia after becoming a father to his second child and Gill has sustained a thumb injury that will most likely rule him out from the first Test.