India's strongest XI for the Sydney Test

Spinners: Ravi Ashwin & Ravindra Jadeja

India might field a two-field spin attack at the SCG

Virat Kohli alluded in the post-match presser at Melbourne that R Ashwin was close to being match fit. With Jadeja making good use of the rough patches at Melbourne plus the Sydney pitch expected to turn, India might rest one of their seamers and play two spinners which will also add depth to their batting unit.

Fast Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami/Ishant Sharma

Bumrah put in a match-winning performance at the MCG

2018 was a watershed year for the Indian bowlers. The trio of Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah claimed 136 wickets across the three tours of South Africa, England and Australia to bamboozle the opposition batters and keep their side in the game even as their batters undo their efforts more often than not.

But, it is also true that the seamers have bowled a lot of overs, especially in the physically demanding Australian conditions. With the Sydney track set to offer turn and R Ashwin returning to full fitness, India might be tempted to rest one of their seamers.

Jasprit Bumrah claimed 9-81 across both innings at the MCG to help India regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and is certainly likely to spearhead the pace attack at the SCG.

That means, India might rest one of Mohammad Shami or Ishant Sharma, who have bowled a lot of overs during their sides' epic 12-Test odyssey.