Australia vs India Test series: 5 interesting things to look forward

A Test series between India and Australia has to be the most anticipated series among cricket fans in recent times, probably along with the Ashes. India will to play 4 Tests this summer down under and is currently the holder of the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Virat Kohli’s men created history in 2018 when they became the first Asian team to win a Test series Down Under. It was an incredible performance, albeit in the absence of Australia’s two premier batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith.

It will be another exciting contest between two powerhouses of cricket. Let us look at five key things to look forward to in the upcoming Test series.

#1. A Different 22 Yards

Australia Nets Session & Media Opportunity

The 22 yards in Australia have changed dramatically in the last few years, mainly due to a drop in surfaces. The pace and bounce have subsided, and the pitches are no more unplayable for subcontinent teams.

In the past, the beauty of Australian Test pitches was the stark difference from one ground to another. While the WACA in Perth offered a lot of pace and bounce, seam bowlers loved the Gabba in Brisbane and SCG brought the spinners into the game. Batsmen loved the flat track at Adelaide Oval and MCG.

It is not the case anymore as most grounds have adopted an artificial drop in surfaces, which has made everything similar and is less challenging for the touring teams.

It will be interesting to see how the curators prepare pitches for the Test matches against India. In earlier times, a grassy wicket was a no-brainer. But now that India have three genuine quicks who run through batting lineups, it's a different story.

It will be a Catch-22 situation for the groundsmen to prepare a wicket that will suit the home side.

#2. Verbals after Kohli leaves?

Australia v India - 2nd Test: Day 4

Indian captain Virat Kohli will return to India after the first Test to be with his wife and their first child. In all likelihood, Ajinkya Rahane will lead India for the remaining three Tests.

India will miss not just one of their best batsmen but also a fearless leader who fights fire with fire. The Aussies, known for their verbal exchanges, might not use that strategy while Kohli is available for the first Test. But will Tim Paine’s men try to get under the skins of the Indian team for the remaining three Test matches?

If they do, the way this Indian team responds adds to an exciting subplot within a bigger picture. It will be interesting to see if Tim Paine’s men try to get under the skins of the Indian team under Ajinkya Rahane for the remaining three Test matches. If they engage in lip service, the way this Indian team responds add to an exciting subplot within a bigger picture.

#3. India’s first D/N Test overseas

Australia v New Zealand - 1st Test: Day 4

India will play their first Day-Night Test away from home, that too against a side that boasts an incredible 100% win record. Australia has played seven Tests under lights and has steamrolled the opposition in each of them.

Fast bowlers from both teams will enjoy the conditions. The batting gets difficult in the final session whenthe floodlights take over. The likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins have moved the pink ball both ways under lights. But how will their batsmen tackle Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami under lights?

Good luck to batsmen from both teams then.

#4. Joe Burns or Will Pucovski?

Australia v New Zealand - 3rd Test: Day 4

This topic is another intriguing discussion point among cricket experts and fans in Australia. Who will be the opening partner to David Warner in that first Test?

It’s a battle between a player who has had a decent run in International cricket but an average form in first-class cricket recently against someone who hasn’t made his debut but has scored back to back double hundreds in Shield games.

Even though Joe Burns has had a decent opening partnership going with David Warner, a few former Australian players feel that this is the time to give the young 22-year old Will Pucovski an opportunity because of his red hot form.

Whoever opens the batting will face a stiff challenge from this current Indian new ball bowling attack.

#5. Will India's Test players be rusty?

Australia v India - 4th Test: Day 1

India last played a Test match early in March this year against New Zealand. Due to the worldwide pandemic, not much cricket has happened in 2020.

While some players featured in the Indian Premier League, a few Indian Test specialists, Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari weren't part of any teams. One of the biggest challenges is to play Test cricket in Australia, and playing after a long time will test even the quality of Pujara.

India depends heavily on Pujara in overseas Tests, and that goes a notch higher after Virat Kohli's departure. Even though India's No 3 will face a lot of balls in the nets, the actual match situation is a different ball game altogether, and that's where rustiness could play a crucial factor.