The dust has settled after a thrilling opening Test which saw India claim a 31 run victory. Both sides have flown across the country to Perth for the first ever Test match at the new Optus Stadium.
The ground staff at Perth have promised a hard and fast pitch which will be a seamers paradise. Who will this benefit? Coming into the series it was thought that the Australian pace attack of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood would be far stronger than an Indian attack led by the experienced Ishant Sharma.
The Indian contingent of bowlers brought on tour certainly doesn’t lack depth, with the class Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar missing out in the opening Test.
Jasprit Bumrah was the surprise packet for the tourist collecting figures of 6-115 for the match.
Both sides should go into the match unchanged. Australian skipper Tim Paine is expected to announce himself fit later today after re-breaking a troublesome finger.
Peter Handscomb could possibly be replaced by Perth product Mitchell Marsh but coach Justin Langer has hinted that he wants to back his players with multiple opportunities.
There are plenty of areas for improvement within both sides heading into this encounter.
The likes of Starc and Cummins must fire and provide more support to Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood who both bowled well.
An Australian top order batsmen needs to stand up and post a three figure score that will apply pressure to the opposition and give the bowlers something to work with.
For India, they will look to skipper Virat Kohli who was usually quiet with the bat in the first Test.
Will India take the opportunity to retain the Border/Gavaskar Trophy or will Australia even the series at 1-1?
