Australia vs India 2018-19: India's strongest playing XI for the first Test

#3 Wicket-keeper and all-rounder

Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin

Rishabh Pant

The young sensation from Delhi, Rishabh Pant has cemented his place in the Test side. He made his Test debut against England and smashed a century at Kennington Oval, followed by a couple of the fifties against West Indies.

Pant's batting could prove highly beneficial for the Indian side in amassing a big total on the board. He will be crucial for India's chances in the first Test at Adelaide.

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Ravichandran Ashwin is easily one of the finest off-spinners in the world. Considering his success and experience in the longest format of the game, he should be included in the playing XI ahead of Jadeja.

So far, Ashwin has played 14 Tests against Australia and taken 71 wickets. He can also bat according to the situation, giving an extra option to his skipper, Virat Kohli.