Following another convincing series win over New Zealand, it’s time to shift the focus to the longest format of the game as the men in blue gear up to host the mighty Australians for a four-match test series starting February 9.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has grown in stature over the years for both sides, making it one of the most dominant rivalries in world cricket. However, this year it’s more than just the classic show at stake. The Kangaroos are firmly placed at the top. It will be India’s last chance to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final as they have to win the Test Series by 3-0 or 3-1
Ian Healy concerned about the pitches
Driving on momentum, the hosts are considered favorites ahead of the big clash, but it’s more than just the quality of the teams that concerns the former Australian wicket-keeper batter Ian Healy.
“I think if they produce fair Indian wickets, that are good batting wickets, to start with, [that] probably spin and spin pretty consistently. I’m worried about (Mitchell) Starc and (Nathan) Lyon in the first Test if they’re unfair wickets I’ve seen in the last series, where balls were jumping ridiculously and sliding down low from day one. I think India plays those conditions better than us.” said Ian Healy.
India’s decade of dominance
The series has intensified in the past decade, as has India, a reputation as a side capable of winning series on any soil. India has twice swept the four-match Test series down under since the Australians last won the trophy in 2014–15, producing absolute classics and breaking the walls of the Gabba. The visitors would be keen on causing a setback having recently thrashed the South Africans 2-0 on their home soil, but the subcontinent conditions are going to be anything but easy even for the in-form side.
Skipper Pat Cummins had earlier expressed that his men are confident about adapting to the conditions, while there are absolutely no questions about the mouth-watering battle that will take place when he takes over Virat Kohli. India’s reputation as a batting side will be tested as their ‘main man’ lately Rishabh Pant, is no longer in the side along with Shreyas Iyer, who will miss the first test due to injury. As for the Aussies, Cameron Green is expected to miss the first game as well.