India vs Australia test series – The all important India-Australia Test series kicks-off amidst the emotions, spirit of cricket and sportsmanship.
The all important India-Australia Test series kicks-off amidst the emotions, spirit of cricket and sportsmanship.
In the wake of the Phil Hughes tragedy, Australia and India rekindle sports rivalry on the pitch as both set of players look to put the ‘sad moment’ behind and battle it out with the bat and the ball.
Australia will have skipper Michael Clarke ready for the 1st Test after being declared fit by the team management and have also announced that the late Phil Hughes will be the ‘13th man’ at the Test.
Elsewhere in the Indian camp, Virat Kohli will lead India in the first Test against in Adelaide, after regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was ruled out with a thumb injury.
So with the battle lines drawn, here are 5 duals that one can expect to light up the Test series.
Virat Kohli vs. Mitchell Johnson
India’s stand-in skipper for the 1st Test, Virat Kohli does not want to look back at the England tour and must start afresh against the mighty Aussies. Virat has some good memories of being Down Under, his century (116) at the same venue where India begin their first match. Up against him will be the fiery Mitchell Johnson. The left-arm Aussie quickie is relishing the dual with Kohli and this battle of bat and ball might just take the headlines.
Ajinkya Rahane vs. Peter Siddle
30-year old Peter Siddle is a tough nut to crack and when the opposition batsmen don’t give into him, the former is good at bowling bouncers that unsettles the batsmen at the crease. It will be a stern test for Mumbai-born Ajinkya Rahane who is a cool customer while batting and recently said that “sledging doesn’t worry us.”
Shane Watson vs. Umesh Yadav
Indian pacer Umesh Yadav had a decent performance in the India-A tour earlier this year and his experience will be vital for India to take 20 wickets. Quick and a knack of bowling in-swingers, Yadav’s bowling will be tested when he lines up against Aussie veteran, Shane Watson who has not been in the best of form with the bat but anything’s possible in the game of cricket.
David Warner vs. Ravindra Jadeja
The 2014 has been immense for David Warner who has amassed 4 tons already and will be looking to end on a high against the young and inexperienced Indians. Ravindra Jadeja is a wily spinner and even though the Aussie pitches might not assist the turners, the all-rounder could be a great match for the southpaw.
MS Dhoni vs. Michael Clarke
At the end it comes down to this. Even though Dhoni misses the 1st Test, the 33-year old will look to bury the ghosts of 2011 when India were trounced 4-0 by Australia. In what could be his last tour Down Under, his counterpart Michael Clarke will be looking to avenge the series defeat back in 2013.
