The Plot

For seven Australian players in the current squad, the tour of India is more than a series of 4 Test matches. Steven Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Wade, Glenn Maxwell & Nathan Lyon were part of the squad that was bullied by Team India on their visit in 2013. Problems had surfaced within the Australian camp back then, with the ‘homework scandal’, under Mickey Arthur’s supervision. Steven Smith, the current captain played just the last 2 Tests, but proved his mettle with a gritty knock of 92. David Warner, who is one of the most feared openers today, managed just two fifty-plus scores. Cut to present day, Australia are a different side, blooded with youngsters under Steven Smith’s leadership.

The one thing that has been constant, is India’s reputation at home. They are currently the no. 1 ranked Test team in the world and boast three consecutive series wins since the beginning of their home season, against New Zealand, England, and Bangladesh. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are in the form of their lives, while the Indian batsmen have notched up 3 successive 600+ totals, a world record. These are nothing less than ominous signs for the Aussies, who lack in experience, comparatively.

Australia may take heart from the fact that three of the four venues for the series will host their maiden Test match, beginning with Pune, on 23rd February. That said, the Aussies won’t take the liberty of expecting bouncy or green tracks, knowing that the true nature of the surfaces will aid the spinners eventually. While taming these Indian spinners will be one of their prime objectives, the Aussies will be wary of the Indian pacers too, who have bowled threatening spells against visiting teams.

The Stage

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
The picturesque ground on the outskirts of Pune is set for its Test match debut. The venue has hosted 2 ODIs and T20Is each in the past, but this will be an occasion the ground staff will savour. The pitch here, during the limited overs games has varied from a green surface in a T20I, to a flat deck for a recent ODI. It is highly unlikely that a green deck will see the light of the day for the first Test of an important series. Considering the size of the ground and the brisk nature of the outfield, batsmen should relish batting on here.

The Acts

Murali Vijay vs Nathan Lyon:

Murali Vijay takes a liking towards off-spinners. The concentration he exhibits against the fast bowlers dissipates the moment he sees an offie. Out comes the dance and the skip towards the bowler and off goes the ball, disappearing into the stands. On his last visit to India, Lyon was belted by Vijay when he scored two massive hundreds. This will be one mouth-watering battle to watch out for.

Ravichandran Ashwin vs David Warner:

Arguably, the finest Test bowler right now, Ravichandran Ashwin will look to get under the skin of David Warner, arguably the current best Test batsman. Both of them love to dictate terms rather than sit under the lid and soak the heat. Ashwin has been a master of his art, with his wily tricks, but Warner is a far more threatening batsman than he was on his last Test tour to the country.

Ravindra Jadeja vs Steven Smith:

If Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t a cricketer, he could have tried his hand at a career in archery or shooting – such is his accuracy, albeit here with the ball in his hand. Visiting captains must voluntarily fear the spinner, simply due to his overwhelming record against them. Jadeja claimed Alastair Cook 6 times in the 5 Tests against England. Back in 2013, he dismissed the then Australian skipper and their best player of spin, Michael Clarke in 4 out of the 6 innings. In the current squad, Steven Smith is the best batsmen against spinners, and leads the side too.

Cheteshwar Pujara vs Mitchell Starc:

Cheteshwar Pujara has had his troubles against short balls, and he will be up against one of the most lethal pacers in modern day cricket. Starc will not be shy to test India’s most stubborn batsman with his pace, early in his innings and Pujara needs to be at his determined best while facing Starc.

Artists

Both the skippers will want to get off to a winning start and maintain as much of the combination throughout the series. Let’s take a look at the probable playing XIs before the first Test.

Virat Kohli will be tinkering with the thought of going after the Aussie batsmen with 2 or 3 spinners. Ishant Sharma and Jayant Yadav could wrestle for one of the spots. Kohli is less likely to fiddle with the batting line-up though.

India – Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma/Jayant Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav.

Getting the right combination will be more vital for Steven Smith, than for Virat Kohli. Australia arrived on this tour, loaded with spinners. But, how many of them will get a look in? Nathan Lyon and Steven O’Keefe will be first in line to make the cut for sure. Talk around the selection conundrum between Matt Renshaw and Usman Khawaja has heightened, leading up to the first Test, but the former may just get the nod going by his recent exploits.

Australia – David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Shaun Marsh, Steven Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Steven O’Keefe, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.