The much awaited five-Test match series between India and Australia gets under way in Perth From November 22 in Perth – Optus stadium. For India the previous tours to Australia 2018/ 19 and later in 2020/ 21 proved to be historic as they won both the Test series by identical margins 2-1. So the onus is on Team India to repeat the encore – win third successive Test series in Australia.
But going into the mega clash with defending WTC champions Australia has not been good for India , To rather put it bluntly , the ideal preparation was not there . The 3-0 loss in Tests to New Zealand at home and on home spin turning pitches has hurt them bad . And the team has come under severe criticism.
The place of seniors like Skipper Rohit Sharma, master batsman Virat Kohli, are been questioned. Have they lost the edge? Is Age finally getting to them . Or do they have the energy to bounce back in Australia in what is said to their final career Test series – along with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Well there are plenty of questions only time will answer.
The tour will be challenging for talented young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal , as he had not played in Aussie conditions before . It is his first tip to OZ land . The same will be for the likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhimanyu Easwaran ( though picked will have to wait for their chances to play in the playing XI).
In case Rohit Sharma misses the first Test , Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team . Superstar Virat Kohli will be aiming to bounce back and be at his best If India hopes to win in Australia. His form will be crucial. After poor scores against Kiwis the onus is in Virat the big occasion player to deliver. The same goes for Skipper Rohit Sharma, who too had an ordinary series against the Kiwis. Rishabh pant is expected to be the first choice wicket- keeper. Dhruv Jurel too has showed in the chances given to him that he is handy with the bat and safe behind the stumps too. That put’s team management in dilemma.
In Australia India’s pace attack will be tested with Jasprit Bumrah along with the likes of Siraj , Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana . Unfortunately , Barring Bumrah and Siraj the other seam bowlers have little experience. That is why Team India is keen to get seasoned Mohammed Shami in the squad . Shami who had been out for year due to injury has strengthen his India comeback homes with a long spell for Bengal in Ranji trophy bowling 43. 2 overs and taking seven wickets against Madhya Pradesh . This news will give Team India a huge boost. The spin attack will be in hands of 38 year-old Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar , Ravindra Jadeja.
The series is acid test for Team India Head coach Gautam Gambhir whose stint is already under scrutiny after the humiliating Test series loss to New Zealand and the ODI series loss to Sri Lanka before that. Steeping into batting legend Rahul Dravid’s shoes as head coach has not been easy ride for the KKR mentor.
Well , The Aussie line-up barring two new names remains the same . Getting a Test call is talented Nathan McSweeney who won the race to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India while Australia also handed a maiden Test call up to wicket- keeper Josh Inglis. McSweeney got backing from former Aussie Skipper and Legend Ricky Ponting who is impressed him with his talent. Inglis is a back- up for Alex Carey.
Uncapped Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis find a place in Australia’s squad for first Test against India 🙌#WTC25 | #AUSvIND | ➡ https://t.co/XMTMX0fHjX pic.twitter.com/58ElYA6w7J
— ICC (@ICC) November 10, 2024
The Aussie pace attack will be spearheaded by Skipper Pat Cummins along with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood. Scott Boland is the reserve fast bowler. Spin is in the hands of Nathan Lyon. Aussie Pat Cummins has clearly stated that his side would like to reverse the two previous losses to India. Team- mates Nathan Lyon , Mitchell Starc too expressed their desire to bounce back at home. And are eagerly looking forward to the clash.
The mind games have begun between the two teams as to what will be the score-line at the end of the series. What the scores will be be known later. But the stage is truly set for yet another engrossing batting. And real cricket – Test cricket does not get better with a five- match Test series. May the best team win. Over to the action now !
