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The wait is nearly over as cricket fans gear up for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is set to begin on November 22 in Perth, with both teams eyeing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
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Australia’s Approach: 4 Pacers to Dominate in Perth
Australian skipper Pat Cummins has signaled an aggressive intent, reportedly opting for a four-pronged pace attack to exploit the pace and bounce of the Perth surface. With the trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Cummins himself leading the charge, the Aussies look poised to put India’s depleted batting lineup under pressure.
Rookie Nathan McSweeney is set to make his Test debut, opening alongside the in-form Usman Khawaja. McSweeney, touted as the “next big thing,” has big shoes to fill as David Warner’s replacement.
Key Highlights of Australia’s Lineup
- Marnus Labuschagne: Slated to bat at No. 3, the Aussie stalwart will be keen to regain form after a lean patch in recent Tests.
- Steve Smith: Returning to his familiar No. 4 position, Smith aims to anchor Australia’s middle order after struggling in experiments as an opener.
- Travis Head: A thorn in India’s side in recent encounters, Head will take up the No. 5 role, adding stability to the lineup.
- Mitch Marsh: With Cameron Green absent, Marsh takes the all-rounder role, bringing his power-hitting and handy seam bowling to the fore.
- Nathan Lyon: The veteran spinner remains Australia’s go-to man for crucial breakthroughs, despite the pace-heavy conditions.
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Perth Pitch and Game Plan
The Perth Stadium is known for its pace-friendly conditions, and Australia’s decision to pack their lineup with four pacers highlights their strategy. While Nathan Lyon provides spin options, Cummins and co. will look to exploit India’s fragile batting order, which has already been hit by injuries to key players.
Australia’s Probable XI for 1st Test
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitch Marsh
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Nathan Lyon
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Josh Hazlewood
- Mitchell Starc
India’s uphill battle
India, coming off a disheartening series loss against New Zealand, will need a miracle to topple the Aussies in their own backyard, especially with injuries to star players and captain Rohit Sharma’s absence for the first Test.
Australia, brimming with confidence, will aim to take a decisive lead, while India will fight to stay in contention for a spot in the WTC Finals.
What are your thoughts on this lineup? Do you think India has a chance to counter Australia’s formidable pace attack?
