India will be kicking off their test match journey against Australia at Adelaide in the pink ball test match (Dec 17-21). The Indian team is high on confidence after winning the T20I series 2-1. Their squad will be bolstered by the presence of the test specialists like Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane. Last time when India visited Australian shores they emerged victorious 2-1. But that was a different Australian side which was missing the services of its two key batsmen: David Warner and Steve Smith. We at Stumpsandbails bring you 5 Australian players which the Indian side need to be wary of:
Marnus Labuschagne:
This Queenslander has already been talked about as the next big batting sensation of Australia. In his short career up until now spanning 14 test matches, he averages a brilliant 63.4. He made his presence felt against England last year in the Ashes. When he walked in as a concussion substitute to Steve Smith. He immediately got going and was quite difficult to stop in the Australian summer last year. If India don’t manage to dislodge him early then will be in for quite some treatment from this stylish batsman.
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Nathan Lyon:
There has been a constant debate whether Nathan Lyon or Ravichandran Ashwin is the world’s leading off-spinner. While there is little to separate between the two, Lyon is quite a handful on Australian pitches. He has 390 wickets to his credit up until now in 96 test matches. Lyon was the difference between the two sides in the only game where Australia won last time the two teams met. The Indians won’t be taking Lyon lightly but the veteran spinner has time and again proved his credentials.
Pat Cummins:
Pat Cummins is the number 1 ranked test match bowler who also happens to be the vice-captain of Australian team across formats. His discipline and skill separates him from the rest of the pack. Cummins’s ability to bowl long incisive spells always keeps him in the game. Not to forget is his batting talent, he is more than just a decent lower order batsman. He can frustrate the Indian bowling attack with his stoic gameplay.
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Josh Hazlewood:
He is considered as Glenn McGrath’s worthy successor. He repeatedly hits the right line and lengths more often than not. Indian batsmen often find it difficult to negotiate Hazlewood’s discipline. He is relentless with his line of attack and batsmen often commit silly errors against such unwavering accuracy. Australia will be looking upto Hazlewood for breakthroughs and holding up one end.
Steve Smith:
The world’s number 1 test batsman, Steve Smith averages a whopping 62.8. Having played 73 test matches, Smith has piled up runs at will. He remains India baiter. Smith has a special inkling for Indian bowling attack and he will be looking forward to dominate them once again in this series. If India are able to dismiss Smith early and manage to keep him quiet, they will feel they are in with a chance. But once Smith gets going it will be improbable for India to stop him in his tracks.
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