Its that time of the year once again, where Arch-rivals are going to meet, though on different soils this time around, but fireworks are expected to arrive as a World Test Championship Finale spot awaits Team India. It’s the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that has made its way back to India after a heroic 2-1 victory against Australia on their own soil in the previous series. As India look to grab vital points to make it to the WTC final, where Aussies await them, a home-series hurdle is what they would look to pass through. As Indians gears up to witness the epic India-Australia rivalry, here are few points that would be on everyone’s watchlist this time around –
Spin it to win it –
The Indian sub-continent pitches are expected to favour spin as it did against the English side last year. With conditions favourable for spinners, India is expected to pack their starting eleven with at least three spinning options and Aussies will look to test the same combination as well. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to be the 1st choice picks and one or maybe both of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel can expect the nod.
The King’s King-sized Comeback awaits the Aussies –
Virat Kohli is back among runs and he would be licking his fingers to give the Aussies a taste of his comeback. Also, in the BGT series played in India, his record hasn’t been great, and he would be looking to improve the same this time around.
Who fills the Pant-sized hole?
Rishabh Pant, India’s ace of spades in Tests, is out with an unfortunate accident and India will be without his services in the all important BGT this time around. Keepers named for the series are K.S. Bharat and Ishan Kishan, with the later potentially being a like-for-like replacement for Pant. India could also throw in a possibility of K.L. Rahul keeping wickets as it allows to play an extra bowler or batsman as well.
Smith’s love affair with Indians during Valentine’s week, continuation or heartbreak? –
Steve Smith’s love affair with Indian team and Indian conditions is a critical threat and Indians would be eager to see Ashwin win his mini-battle against the Aussie vice-captain. However, a resurgent Smith would be up for a tough challenge against the Indian ace-spinner and a mouth-watering face-off awaits the viewers.
SKY set for Test debut?
In Shreyas Iyer’s absence, a spot in the middle order has opened up and it will be interesting to see who gets his hands on the spot. Suryakumar Yadav, K.L. Rahul, incase Shubman Gill opens, K.S. Bharat and Ishan Kishan are waiting for the skipper’s nod to slot in the middle order.
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