Australia vs India 2018-19: India's predicted XI for the Boxing Day Test

Hardik Pandya

Pandya will be hoping to make a comeback in the third Test

Hardik Pandya, who had been away from the action for two months, was drafted into the squad for the last two Tests. India unquestionably missed the services of Hardik in the second Test. Had Pandya been there, India would have thought to play a spinner. Nevertheless, India would be including Pandya in the playing XI for the third Test. Hardik's inclusion will provide the team with a vacant place for the spinner. Hence, his place in the playing XI for the third Test.

Ravichandran Ashwin

India, without any doubt, would have been in a better place had Ravichandran Ashwin been a part of the second Test. Ashwin's long spells in the first Test took a toll on him as he injured his abdomen and had to miss the second Test. In the first Test, Ashwin not only performed with the ball but also with the bat as he added some crucial runs to the board. Thus, the team management will be contemplating to play him in the third Test in a gambit to add strength to their batting lineup as well as to include variety in the bowling department.