1. Openers: Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris vs Murali Vijay and KL Rahul
Aaron Finch is back fit after suffering a minor injury
during practice. However, he will lead the batting order at top. He will likely
play the attacking opener. Higly-rated Marcus
Harris will make his debut in the squad as opener. Marcus has amassed nearly
4,000 runs in first-class cricket playing for the teams of Victoria
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| (Image: Twitter) |
Murali Vijay will be looking
make a comeback after being axed during the England tour. KL Rahul, will be under pressure, as he has failed to
cement his place in the side despite the backing of the team management. He
needs to perform here to keep his place.
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| (Image: AFP) |
2.Middle Order: Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb vs
Usman Khawaja will be the most
important player for Australia at No. 3. He has enhanced his reputaion in the
Pakistan series. After the departure of Steve Smith, the Australians
have struggled to find a stable middle order. Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb will look to hold the
innings. Marsh had scored a handsome amount of runs when the two teams last
clashed in Australia.
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| (Image: @ICC) |
The middle order will be India's main strength with Virat Kohli
being the key player. The Indian captain has been getting runs everywhere and
ususally thrives in Australian conditions. Pujara's ability to play in foreign
conditions will be important. He has a point or two to prove in Australia at
the number three position. Ajinkya Rahane was good for India in
2014, but his form has been inconsistent so far. If he gets going at number 5,
this Indian batting looks a lot more secure.
3. No. 6: Travis Head vs Hanuma Vihari/Rohit Sharma
Travis Head has been in fine nick for the hosts and is
expected to play at No.6 for the home team.
India will decide between Hanuma Vihari and Rohit Sharma on
matchday. Vihari has impressed with his solid technique in England and has
backed it up with solid knocks in warm up fixtures
On the other hand, Rohit is likely to have team
management's faith as he is a man in form with a very good record in Australia.
However, his inconsistent form will be a worry.
4. Wicket keeper: Tim Paine vs Rishabh Pant
Tim Paine took over the reins of Australia squad after the
ball-tampering saga. While his performance both as captain and player has not
been much to write about, he has shown the right attitude like the first test
against Pakistan where he batted 194 balls to help his team avoid a defeat.
Rishabh Pant has started his career on a high with century
at Oval. He then scored two 90+ scores in the series against West Indies.
However, Australia will be a different challenge -if he can manage some runs
and improve in his keeping, he may cement his place ahead of Saha.
5.Spin: Nathan Lyon vs R Ashwin
Nathan Lyon was one of the key reasons why India failed to
win a single test in Australia during the previous tour. He wrecked the Indian
batting order with his right-arm off-spin and had picked 23 wickets in that
series. He will be looking to the same this time.
R Ashwin will be a key player for India. He will bowl the
most for India and they will go to him for keeping pressure and key wickets.
Ashwin will also be important as a batsman with a good enough technique.
6. Pace attack: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood vs Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are Australia's best
pacer while Pat Cummins has just put himself ahead of Siddle. They will be the
key against the strong Indian batting line up specially Kohli.
India dont't have Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the match as
Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the attack. Shami is
can run through batting orders on his day and should enjoy the pace and bounce
in Australia. Bumrah has impressed since making his Test debut and has pace and
variations to succeed. Ishant Sharma, the tallest of the three, has the
experience of playing here and will be go-to bowler for Kohli.
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