(Info4now, Feb 08, 2023)– Last time Australia dominated Indian soil, it was in the 2004-05 season. Almost after two decades’ dryness, this is for the first time they come to India with a fifty- fifty success prediction, if they possess no edge, of course. So the IND vs AUS 1st Test, in the context of the current statistics of Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is going to be all Australia’s in regard to their success or failure.
Preview: IND vs AUS 1St Test, Nagpur, Australia tour of India, 2023.
Even against their away losses in India, they lost two consecutive test series on their own den. So fear of mixing up things is never away from the unit. But with a Pat Cummins leadership with its complete newness and veteran Smith being his deputy, they are probably with their best team this time.
For India Rohit Sharma and K. L. Rahul will open the innings. Rohit Sharma’s selection as Test captain takes place just after his Test XI confirmation. So it works as a force finding no other regular option. He is going to be tested, both as an opener and a captain. To replace Subhman at the opening slot, Rahul should utilize this home season perfectly. Cheteshwar Pujara will definitely test Australian spinners. It’s time for Virat Kohli to dominate at Test level as he is back in a heroic way in the shorter format. Suryakumar Yadav might be allowed as fifth batsman.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel to follow and they might have great impact in the game, especially with the red ball in hand. Ravi Ashwin has a comfortable inclusion with many left hand geniuses in the opposition. Mohammad Siraj and Umesh Yadav are regular choices as for Shami, a better track might have been suitable.
Peter Hanscomb and Usman Khawaja will open the innings in the absence of David Warner. Then a top class duo of Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have to show their best skills to deny any drift from Axar Patel. Travis Head and Alex Carey are in great touches, but should have an eye on Ashwin’s movement around the off-stump.
It’s completely unnecessary to play Green, if he is unable to bowl. As Ashton Agar can bowl fairly better than a part timer and he is an left arm orthodox, he should be promoted at seven. Australia need another leg spinner beside Agar, as India are a right hand dominating side. So Mitchell Swepson can be the other one. If Cummins goes with Murphy, an off-spinning option, Labuschagne has to bowl a long spell. A paradoxical assessment of Nathan Lyon runs every time he visits India. He is an orthodox right arm off spinner and creates problems for the right hand stars of India.
Conclusion
Two years and the Gabba Test. Things have changed a lot. Rohit Sharma’s first big game with the red ball captaincy. It’s the home condition India should utilise well as Australia are on their determined feet after the post-Gabba recovery. If they didn’t get choked by the drift, it’s going to be a fifty-fifty contest.
Playing XI, IND vs AUS: 1st Test, Nagpur
India(Probable): Rohit Sharma, K.L. Rahul, Cheteswar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, K.S. Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Md. Siraj and Umesh Yadav.
Australia(Expected): Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins and Michell Swepson/Todd Murphy.