Subhayan Chakraborty at the Optus Stadium
“5-0 to Australia,” said one local fan outside the Optus Stadium in Perth as the Indian team bus carrying a few players and coaching staff left the venue on the eve of the opening Test between the two top sides. “It could be reversed,” cheekily quipped an Indian fan waiting to catch a glimpse of the Indian players. The banter and anticipation is there to be seen. Not only among the fans, but it could get quite fiery between the two teams when play begins, and why not?
The long-standing and storied rivalry between India and Australia is set to reach new heights as the two cricketing powerhouses face off in the first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting Friday. It is a rare return to a series of this length between the sides, last seen more than three decades ago, and the stakes could not be higher. With the World No. 1 Test ranking, World Test Championship (WTC) standings, and legacies on the line, this clash promises to rewrite cricket books.
India, the holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, have enjoyed a golden run in the rivalry, winning the last four series. This includes landmark back-to-back series victories in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020/21, the latter secured with a depleted squad in what many regard as one of the greatest comebacks in cricketing history. However, the visitors arrive in Perth bruised after an uncharacteristic 0-3 Test series defeat at home to New Zealand—a result that ended more than a decade of dominance on home soil.
Australia, meanwhile, have been in imperious form. The World Test champions enter the series on the back of a stellar 2023 campaign, highlighted by victories over India in both the WTC Final and the 50-over World Cup. Boasting a formidable squad and an enviable record at home, Pat Cummins’ men are firm favourites, especially at the pace-friendly Optus Stadium, where they have won all four Tests played since the venue opened in 2018.
India’s Challenges
India’s preparations have been hampered by injuries and absences, starting with captain Rohit Sharma, who will miss the opener following the birth of his second child. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami is unavailable as he continues his recovery, while opener Shubman Gill, arguably one of India’s most consistent batters in recent times, is set to miss the Test with a thumb injury. These absentees have forced India to rejig their line-up.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, will lead the side in Rohit’s absence. KL Rahul is set to return to the opening slot despite his patchy form, partnering the exciting Yashasvi Jaiswal. DevduttPadikkal is expected to step into the pivotal No. 3 role, while the in-form Dhruv Jurel is poised to bat at No. 6 after impressive performances for India A against Australia A. It could be a double-edged sword for India. While the youngsters, in the recent times, have played some brave cricket, taking down the Aussies in their home is a different ball game altogether.
The Indian bowling attack remains potent. Bumrah, backed by Mohammed Siraj, forms a lethal seam-bowling duo, with either of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin providing spin and control in the middle overs. While the batting lineup appears fragile, India’s bowlers have the ability to dictate terms, especially if they can make early inroads against Australia’s top order. Whether the exciting Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna can make a name for themselves in pace-friendly Australian conditions, with the Kookaburra, remains to be seen. Nitish Kumar Reddy, the 21 year old with barely any experience in red-ball cricket, is set to debut as India’s only pace-bowling all-rounder option.
“We are very well prepared,”Bumrah said in the pre-match press conference. “We came here early, got some time at the WACA Ground, and a lot of the youngsters were coming here for the first time. When we came here for the first time as well, we got less time than this, and we still ended up winning the series. I love the responsibility. I wanted to do the tough job ever since I was a child. Always wanted to be in the thick of things. I have a lot of faith in my instincts and gut. As for fast-bowling captains, Pat (Cummins) has done a phenomenal job.In the past for India, Kapil Dev did a fabulous job.”
Australia’s Confidence
Australia, in contrast, enjoys the luxury of a settled line-up. Nathan McSweeney, who has been in sublime form in the Sheffield Shield, will debut as opener alongside Usman Khawaja. The middle order, anchored by the prolific Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, looks as solid as ever. Smith, in particular, thrives against India, averaging an extraordinary 83.23 in home Tests against them.
The hosts’ bowling attack, spearheaded by captain Cummins, is well-suited to the Perth conditions. Cummins is ably supported by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, with the ever-reliable Nathan Lyon offering spin options. Lyon’s record against India at home—60 wickets—makes him a key figure in breaking partnerships on what is likely to be a hard and bouncy wicket.Mitchell Marsh is set to be Australia’s medium-pace option, along with Marnus Labuschagne, who has switched to medium-pace bowling this season.
“For about half in the change room, we haven’t won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, so it’s one of the last things to tick off,” said Cummins. “With every challenge that was thrown at us over the last few years, we have stepped up and done well. We know India is right up there with one of the best teams in the world, so we are excited. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been very tight every series.Five Test-match series gets really attritional, it’s a big one really. There will always be pressure when you are playing at home. India are a very talented side and it will be a good challenge. But we are not looking too far ahead.”
Key Battles to Watch
Steve Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah: Smith’s record against India (2,042 runs at 65.87) underscores his dominance, but Bumrah has troubled him with pace and movement in the past. This battle could define the series.
Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins: Kohli, one of India’s finest batters in Australian conditions, will look to lead from the front. However, Cummins, who boasts 152 wickets at 19.69 in home Tests, will be eager to exploit any weaknesses.
Australian openers vs Indian seamers: McSweeney and Khawaja must withstand the fiery opening spells of Bumrah and Siraj. Success here could lay the foundation for big totals.
The Perth Factor
Optus Stadium has become a fortress for Australia. Their last four wins here—by margins of 146, 296, 164, and 360 runs—highlight the challenge awaiting India. The pitch is expected to offer pace and bounce, favouring the quick bowlers, but the recent rain in Perth may prevent significant deterioration, making it a fairer contest for batters. It is going to be ‘Fast and Furious’, as per Western Australia head curator Isaac McDonald.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Perth may cause some early jitters, with a 25% chance of light morning showers on Day 1. However, interruptions are unlikely, and the pitch is expected to remain conducive to high-quality cricket throughout the match.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
India and Australia have faced off in 107 Tests, with Australia holding the upper hand with 45 wins to India’s 32. On Australian soil, the disparity is more pronounced: Australia have won 30 of the 52 matches, with India claiming just nine victories. However, India’s recent record Down Under—winning the last two series—will give them confidence despite the odds.
Players to Watch
Virat Kohli: With 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests in Australia, Kohli’s performances could be pivotal in anchoring India’s batting. While his form has dipped in recent years, he remains capable of match-winning knocks.
Marnus Labuschagne: Labuschagne’s consistency at home (2,623 runs at 62.45) makes him a key player. His ability to adapt and build long innings could frustrate India’s bowlers.
Nathan Lyon: With 259 wickets in 67 home Tests, Lyon’s role cannot be understated. His record against India, particularly in the middle overs, will be crucial in maintaining pressure.
Who has the edge?
On paper, Australia. A settled line-up, excellent form, and familiarity with home conditions makes them favourites, especially in Perth, where they have dominated. India, however, have a knack of defying expectations, as seen in their epic comeback in 2020/21.
If Bumrah and Siraj can exploit the conditions early and Kohli or Rahul can produce a standout innings, India might challenge the hosts. But with their top order in transition and missing key players, the visitors face an uphill battle.
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