Australia vs India 2018-19, 3rd Test: 2 injured players whom India wouldn't miss much 

Ravindra Jadeja

A half-fit Jadeja wouldn't be effective as a bowler

Another doubtful starter for Team India for the third Test due to injury is Ravindra Jadeja. In fact, now it has been revealed that he was not fully fit when he left the Indian shore to Down Under. If he was not fully fit for the second Test at Perth, it is puzzling that he found a place in the 13 member squad announced by the team one day before the second Test.

As in the second Test, the Australian batting line-up would feature 6 left-handers in the third Test against whom the half-fit Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm orthodox spin wouldn’t be that effective. Perhaps, he might make a difference with his batting and fielding. However, if Ashwin doesn’t recover in time to play the third Test, India would be better off with the wrist-spin of Kuldeep Yadav who could be the X-factor India are searching for in this series. In addition, Kuldeep is no mock with the bat. Hence, Jadeja’s absence for the third Test wouldn’t be felt much.

To sum up, it is Ravichandran Ashwin who is crucial for India for the third Test at Melbourne. He took 6 wickets in the first Test at Adelaide and was instrumental in India winning that Test by a narrow margin. The return of fit-again Hardik Pandya would be a welcome addition to the Indian team as a bowler on overseas conditions.

However, the real problem for India lies at the top with the out-of-form openers. It would be a great relief for the Indian fans if one or both of the two out-of-form openers miss the third Test.