Australia Vs India Test Series: Key Batsman Analysis

The eagerly anticipated 4 match Test series between Australia and India is only one day away. India have never won a Test series on Australian soil and this is arguably their best chance.

Australian cricket is still somewhat in turmoil with their best two batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner serving 12-month ball tampering suspensions.

The Aussie batting lineup has struggled of late and on the flip side the Indians bring arguably the most formidable batting lineup in world cricket. The plus side for the Aussies is that they are still equipped with the world’s best bowling attack. Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon will ask plenty of questions of the likes of Kohi, Vijay and Pujara.

Here we take a look at each side’s most dangerous willow yielders.

Australia

Usman Khawaja

• Age: 32
• 100s: 7
• Runs: 2455
• Average: 42.83

The Pakistani born stroke maker is in career-best form after posting scores of 85 and 141 in the opening match of a recent series against Pakistan in Dubai. He was withdrawn from the remainder of that series with a minor injury in order to be given enough time to be ready to go for this first Test. Expect free-flowing drives through the covers and straight down the ground once he gets going. There’s been much debate about where his place in the order will be. Should it be opening where he has had recent success or dropping down to 3 to make way for debutant Marcus Harris. This needs to be a career-defining series for him.

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Aaron Finch

• Age: 32
• 100s: 0
• Runs: 181
• Average: 45.2

The big-hitting left-hander has long been a key player in Australia’s short-form teams at the top of the order but has never relished opportunities to make the Test side. The suspension of Warner has opened the door and Finch will be desperate to make the most of what should be his first full Test series on home soil. Has wowed crowds all around the world in domestic T20 competitions. Will need to be scoring big runs for Australia to be a chance.

Shaun Marsh

Yet another Aussie batsman with a point to prove. Often maligned by his own supporters, Marsh’s inconsistencies have been his biggest downfall to date. There’s no doubt once he is in form he is every bit attractive to watch with the best of them. His classy cover drive will be one to watch out for. Will slot into either the 3 or 4 position and has to make the most of this opportunity.

India

Virat Kohli

• Age: 30
• 100s: 24
• Runs: 6331
• Average: 54.6

A cult figure in the sub-continent. The Indian skipper has all the shots in the book. Will look to take the fight to Australia’s fearsome quicks and how he fares will have a big impact on the rest of his side. It is thought that the Aussie’s might adapt the plan of short-pitched bowling to Kohli. Is going to take a power of stopping.

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Cheteshwar Pujara

• Age: 30
• 100s: 15
• Runs: 4905
• Average: 49.5

Solid as a rock. Pujara has taken over from Rahul Dravid as the modern day wall in the Indian line-up. He never gives his wicket away and once he takes his time to play himself in he will keep the ball along the carpet and frustrate opposition bowlers. Australia must look to dismantle him early in his innings.

Rohit Sharma

• Age: 31
• 100s: 3
• Runs: 1479
• Average: 39.97

An aggressive middle-order batsman that could easily cash in off tired bowlers if the top order stands up. Has phenomenal wrist technique and regularly finds the boundaries. Will be one to watch if he gets going.

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ODDS – SERIES WINNER

ODDS – TOP RUNSCORER

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Who is your prediction for leading run scorer of the series? Leave the players name in the comments.

*Odds are subject to change.