India vs Australia Test Series Key Players

Steve Waugh called it the ‘last frontier’; some modern players treat it on par with the Ashes. This should probably explain why the Test Series in India for the Aussies is held in so high regard by the players and spectators. Add to that the fact that they haven’t been able to win a Test in India since 2004-05, the upcoming four Test series becomes much more important.

The Aussies even went to Dubai to prepare for the turning tracks. But will that be helpful? Let’s look at the players who will be vital for the Kangaroos in this series.

David Warner
This is one player who takes the pitch out of equation. Warner is probably one of the most feared openers across formats in contemporary cricket. The Aussie vice-captain also has the onus of leading his younger partner Matt Renshaw.

Warner’s aggressive starts will be crucial in putting the brakes on the Indian spinners. His tussle with Ravichandran Ashwin may well decide Australia’s chances of competing in the series. Odds offered on Warner being top batsman for the Aussies are $3.50 (William Hill).

Virat Kohli
Kohli is without question the most dominant batsmen on earth right now. Regardless of country, conditions or pitch, Kohli seems to be able to get it done series in, series out for India.

With an Australian bowling unit that has had little to no experience on Indian pitches, he should take over in this series. $2.37 (bet365) for him to be the top Indian batsmen is almost a lock.

Steve Smith
Being the captain of one of the weakest teams to tour India is in itself a huge burden for Smith. Add to that the fact that his runs are vital – Smith’s task over the next month is going to be crucial.

There are so many questions surrounding Smith today – who should be his opener, how will his spinner fare and which all-rounder should he go with. But that takes nothing away from his task as a batsman! Odds offered on Smith being top batsman for the Aussies are $3.25 (William Hill).

Mitchell Starc
Fast bowlers on sub-continent pitches? Think again! Starc’s performance in their last series against Sri Lanka should make him a top pick for the Aussies in India. With an ability to take the pitch out of equation and also exploit the old ball, Starc will be a handful for the Indian batsman.

Virat Kohli, Cheteswar Pujara and co have been in great form for the Indians at home and Starc will have to be at his best to keep the Indians at bay. No wonder, his form is going to be so crucial for Smith! Odds of Starc being top bowler for the Aussies are $3.50 (bet365).

Ravichandran Ashwin
They have the most dominant batsmen on earth in Kohli, and in Ashwin they have arguably the most dominant spinner. Ashwin is currently the number 1 ranked Test bowler in the world, while his spinning mate Ravi Jadeja is number 2.

Look for Ashwin to dominate an inexperienced Australian middle order on some Indian pitches that will be prime spin conditions. Not much value in him being the top Indian bowler here at $1.57 (bet365). Jadeja might be the value play.

Nathan Lyon
Even Shane Warne struggled on these shores! The task as a spinner bowling to batsmen bred on spin pitches is never simple. Lyon has the onerous task of keeping the Indian batsmen quiet and at the same time take wickets.

Not a happy spot to be in, but being the senior spinner of the team Lyon would be expected to be at the top of his game. Odds of Lyon being top bowler for the Aussies are $3.50 (bet365).

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