Fri Nov 22 18:37:07 UTC 2024: ## Two IPL Stars Make Test Debut in Border-Gavaskar Trophy Opener

**Perth, Australia** – The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia kicked off today in Perth with two exciting debuts for the Indian team. Nitish Reddy, the 2024 IPL Emerging Player of the Year, and pacer Harshit Rana both earned their first Test caps.

Reddy, who impressed with 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92 for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, made his T20I debut against Bangladesh earlier this year. Rana, meanwhile, earned his spot after a strong IPL 2024 performance for Kolkata Knight Riders, boasting impressive first-class statistics of 43 wickets at an average of 24.00 and 469 runs at an average of 42.63.

India’s captain, Jasprit Bumrah (standing in for the paternity-leave Rohit Sharma), won the toss and elected to bat first. He expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and highlighted Reddy’s debut alongside a bowling attack featuring four quicks and Washington Sundar as the lone spinner. Australian captain Pat Cummins also noted the competitive nature of India-Australia matches regardless of the format, and welcomed debutant Nathan McSweeney to the Australian batting lineup.

The match promises to be a closely fought contest between two strong teams, marked by the exciting debuts of several players.

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