5 players who can end up as the highest run scorer in the India-Australia Test series

The much awaited and the much-anticipated part of the tour between India and Australia is just a few days away. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a little more intriguing, considering that the visitors will be the favourites over the hosts. Two sides with contrasting backgrounds and form will lock horns with India hunting their first ever Test series win in Australia.

The four-match series was preceded by the three-match T20I series which finished 1-1. The Test series also brings with it countless possible face-offs between the two sides. Although Australia's behaviour on-field has drastically changed, the high voltage series still has a possibility of witnessing some verbal duels.

Australia are currently a vulnerable side of the two, struggling in all the departments. Their batting order has suffered a major jolt with their two best batsmen on the sidelines. Their middle order is a major concern, having suffered big collapses in the recent past. Their bowling also looks troublesome with their spearhead Mitchell Starc's form way below par recently.

India, on the other hand, are riding high around their captain Virat Kohli and their well balanced and a disciplined bowling attack. India's fast bowling department has evolved extremely well over the past two overseas Test series, having proved that they are more than capable of taking 20 wickets. Their batting also looked very well settled. In short, the tourists seem to have all their bases well covered.

The Test series, along with the expectation of being a hard-fought one is also anticipated to be a high-scoring one. The Indian captain, like the previous time, is looked upon to produce some scintillating knocks. Australia, even though depleted, cannot be overlooked as they do have batsmen in their ranks who have a superior record on the Australian pitches.

We take a look at five batsmen who could top the run-scoring charts for the upcoming Test series:-

5. Shaun Marsh

Marsh’s selection has been slightly debatable as he hasn’t impressed in the Test arena as of late. He had a lean series against South Africa earlier this year followed by a disastrous tour of UAE against Pakistan.

That said, the Western Australian is also one of the most experienced Test players in the line-up. He is also having a good time in the Sheffield Shield, having scored 163 not out in the fourth innings to seal an emphatic victory over South Australia. Although, in the twilight of his career, Shaun Marsh is still a flamboyant batsman, capable of tiring the Indian players. Shaun Marsh could bat at No.4 for Australia in the series.

Having played 34 Tests, Marsh has scored 2082 runs at an average of 35.03. In the absence of Steve Smith, the 35-year old will be looked upon to consolidate the middle order and prevent any potential collapse and he could very well prove to be the difference by getting the most number of runs.

4. Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane has a good track record in Australia

The right-handed batsman is one of the most crucial pieces of the puzzle to India’s middle order in Test cricket. Rahane, over time, has become a longer format specialist and currently serves as a deputy to Virat Kohli in the Test side. As a deputy, he has also played some crucial knocks, especially in the Tests outside of Asia.

One of the most memorable knocks of the Mumbai batsman came against England at Lord’s. Rahane scored a century which became decisive in India winning the match which is still known to be a historic one for the Indian team. The 30-year old averaged above 55, the last time India were down under with a high score of 147.

Rahane could very well end up as the highest run scorer because of his ability to counter the pace attack of the Australians. The bounce and the pace in the pitches will suit Rahane’s style of play as he is a natural stroke player.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara's long vigil at the crease will be key

The hunt for the next Rahul Dravid for the Indian team had ended when Pujara came into the side. Though the right-hander takes time to acclimatize to conditions, he is unstoppable and remains immovable at the crease when he gets going. This was evident when India toured England earlier and after a string of low scores, the Saurashtra batsman went on to score a century in the fourth Test of the tour.

Pujara is expected to walk out to bat at No. 3. Having scored close to 5,000 runs, Pujara has amassed 15 centuries in only 64 Tests. The Australian bowlers may find it tough and run into yet another “Wall” in the four-match series.

Pujara averaged a decent 33 on his last tour of Australia, however, could end up posing the biggest headache for Australia, having had the experience of county cricket with him too.

2. Usman Khawaja

Khawaja needs to be amongst the runs for the hosts

Until the series against Pakistan in the UAE, Usman Khawaja was a doubtful starter. However, after playing a courageous and a career-defining knock in the first Test of that series, he has made himself a certainty in the playing eleven. The Pakistan born batsman has worked hard on his fitness and has also made enormous improvements to his technique.

He, however, sustained an injury in the second Test at Abu Dhabi in that series which has kept him away from further action. Khawaja is racing against the clock to be fit for the Test series against India and according to the circumstances, could be the perfect candidate for a No. 3 batsman.

An in-form and an injury-free Khawaja is capable of handling India’s bowlers to bat for long hours like he did at Dubai. Khawaja currently averages nearly 45 in 34 Tests with 2,452 runs under his belt.

1. Virat Kohli

Kohli will be looking to lead from the front

Arguably the one batsmen from both sides on who everybody’s eyes will be on. The No.1 ranked Test batsman has thwarted each and every bowling attack in their own den. Kohli silenced his critics in style by scoring a whopping 593 runs in the five-match Test series in England and scored the lone hundred of the Test series against South Africa preceding that.

Kohli’s appetite to score increases vastly when facing Australia in Australia. The 2014-15 series saw the Delhi batsman score 694 runs in four Tests at an average of 86 with four hundreds. However, Steve Smith was a level ahead of him, ending up as the highest run scorer last time. Nonetheless, the absence of Smith in this series, certainly makes Kohli the frontrunner to sit comfortably on top of the run-scoring charts.

However, Kohli’s main focus will be on being the first Indian captain to secure a Test series win in Australia.