Last Updated on 2 years by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Australia possible playing XI for 1st Test against India | Prediction for Australia’s possible XI for Nagpur Test

Australia’s quest for a first Test series win in India since 2004 gets underway on Thursday (9th February) in Nagpur. A good start is crucial for Pat Cummins’ team to be competitive in the series, as was the case in 2017 when Australia achieved a terrific win in Pune.

Ahead of the first Test, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a left achilles tendon injury. So, there is speculation as to who will take his place, as well as Cameron Green’s, who is considered unlikely to play.

Australia possible XI for Nagpur Test

Here is CricBlog’s predicted Australia XI for the first Test of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

1. David Warner
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Peter Handscomb
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (c)
9. Ashton Agar
10. Scott Boland
11. Nathan Lyon

Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head and Carey are each set to play their first Test in India. If Green is indeed out, Peter Handscomb could slot into the number six role ahead of Matt Renshaw as Australia already have four left-handers in the top seven.

Depending on the pitch, the tourists may find room for an additional specialist spinner in Todd Murphy or Mitchell Swepson. If not, Scott Boland could play his first away Test, and Australia will look forward to Boland implementing a lot of the experience he’s built up playing on flat MCG pitches over the years.

The XI on paper may seem a little short on bowling. However, Australia faces a conundrum as they require as much batting depth as possible against India’s superb seam and spin attack. This is why Ashton Agar could find his way in the XI, in addition to the left-arm bowling option that he provides.

Read more of CricBlog’s 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy content, including:

• India possible playing XI for 1st Test at Nagpur
• 3 key player battles that could decide the series
• Can Australia finally win in India for the first time in nearly 20 years? 3 arguments for and against