The much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and Australia is poised to be  a cricketing spectacle, one that promises intense battles, intriguing storylines, and  tactical masterstrokes. India’s recent struggles against New Zealand have added an  extra layer of intrigue to the series, particularly the first few matches. With key players  like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami absent, India faces a  challenge in building a competitive lineup. 

Team selection will inevitably be under the spotlight for India. Without Rohit Sharma at  the helm, the opening pair becomes a critical decision. A potential lineup could see KL  Rahul opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by the talented Devdutt Padikkal at  number three. Virat Kohli will likely occupy the crucial fourth spot. Adding to the  firepower is Rishabh Pant at 5, whose heroics in past encounters against Australia,  including his unforgettable innings at the Gabba, bring both talent and an undeniable  fear factor to India’s middle order. 

In the lower middle order, Dhruv Jurel is a strong candidate for number six. His  performances during the recent England series showcased not only his technical skills  but also his temperament in challenging situations. This composure makes him a vital  asset in conditions as demanding as Australia’s. 

The bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah as captain, will be equally crucial. Bumrah’s  leadership and bowling prowess will anchor the team. Supporting him could be Akash  Deep, whose ability to generate bounce can exploit Australia’s fast, bouncy pitches.  Prasidh Krishna, another bowler with a penchant for extra bounce, is expected to play a  significant role. Rounding off the attack, India will likely rely on their seasoned spinners  Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, whose versatility and experience will be  indispensable. 

India’s decision to forgo a practice match before the series is an interesting one but  something which is not surprising. Modern-day teams these days prefer center-wicket  practice more than warm-up ties. While center-wicket practice sessions, a proper  competitive match offers unique value. One key benefit is understanding the critical skill  of leaving the ball on length—a fundamental adjustment for batting in Australian  conditions. 

In Australia, the challenge for batters lies in facing bowlers like Josh Hazelwood,  Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins, who excel at maintaining tight lines and lengths.  Rather than chasing deliveries that are not targeting the stumps, batters must learn to  assess and leave balls based on length. This strategy not only reduces risks but also  creates scoring opportunities when bowlers are forced to target the stumps.

Interestingly, data often shows that a surprising number of deliveries in Australian  conditions, especially in venues like Perth, miss the stumps entirely. Recognising this  pattern early in an innings can be pivotal for batters. While it’s essential not to adopt an  overly cautious mindset, marking a length on the pitch and practicing selective shot making becomes critical. 

This adjustment requires batters to fine-tune their techniques. Subcontinental players,  unfamiliar with steeper bounce, could benefit from slightly altering their batting stance.  Lifting the bat higher during the stance can help them control shots better and play on  top of the bounce. Drawing from personal experience, this adjustment proved  

transformative during my second tour of Australia, allowing me to counter the bounce  effectively. That is where the practice matches come to good use. 

Ultimately, India’s success with the bat will hinge on these nuanced strategies, and  players like Kohli will be key to executing them. Kohli’s performance will undoubtedly be  under the microscope. After a lean patch, Kohli is expected to bounce back with a  sensational series, and his success will likely determine India’s fortunes.  

For Yashasvi Jaiswal, this series represents a crucial phase in his development as a  world-class batter. His ability to adapt to the bounce and make sound shot selections  will be key to his consistency across the series. He will have his moments for sure in  

this five-match series. No Rohit in the first Test, so the focus will be on the top-order and  particularly how Kohli goes. 

From my experience of covering the last series between these two great sides, India’s  bowling unit, particularly Bumrah and the pacers, will need to replicate their success.  

In the absence of David Warner, Nathan McSweeney is expected to open for Australia,  providing India an opportunity to exploit his relative inexperience. 

Australia’s lineup also presents interesting dynamics. With Marnus Labuschagne slightly  out of form and Steve Smith anchoring the middle order, the battle of the number  fours—Smith versus Kohli—could define the series. Meanwhile, Travis Head and Alex  Carey bring depth and freshness to the batting order. 

On the bowling front, Pat Cummins’ ability to challenge batters outside the off-stump will  test India’s technique. Second to none at global stage, Nathan Lyon, operating against  India’s left-handers, will be another critical factor in the series. 

The series opener in Perth will set the tone. While it’s likely to be a tough game for  India, it offers an opportunity to make a statement of intent. Even if the first match  doesn’t result in a win, India can signal their readiness for the battles ahead, particularly  with the return of frontline players like Rohit and Shubman Gill as the series progresses.

The five-match format allows room for recovery and adaptability, and India must  approach this series with patience and resilience. Winning or losing the first game won’t  define the series, but the body language and strategy displayed will provide crucial  insights into what lies ahead. 

This series promises to be a treat for cricket lovers, with its mix of seasoned performers  and emerging talent. For India, the approach with both bat and ball will be critical. With  leadership from Kohli and Bumrah and the contributions of emerging stars like Jaiswal  and Padikkal, India has the ingredients to challenge Australia on their home turf. 

Regardless of the outcome, this will undoubtedly be a fascinating chapter in the storied  rivalry between these two cricketing giants. Let the Tests begin!