India confirm changes for third Australia Test as Rohit Sharma returns

Navdeep Saini will make his debut in Sydney while the tourists re-configure their top order in Sydney

Rohit Sharma has been confirmed to return for India against Australia in the third Test at the SCG.

The 33-year-old has not featured on the entire tour due to a hamstring injury.

He will open the innings alongside Shubman Gill, with Mayank Agarwal dropping out after a poor run of form.

Navdeep Saini will make his Test debut in the absence of injured pair Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav.

^{Navdeep Saini comes in as the changes to India's seam attack continues}

The series is tied at 1-1 after the tourists' eight-wicket win in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

"We all are really excited to have him (Rohit) back," said stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane. "His experience at the highest level matters a lot.

"He had seven-eight sessions. He came to Melbourne and when our test match got over, he started his practice straightaway. He’s been batting really well."

Australia are yet to confirm their XI for the third Test, with David Warner being lined up for a return while Will Pucovski could make his international debut.