India wary of home ‘favourites’

INDIA’S vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane scoffs at suggestions Australia are vulnerable, saying the hosts remain favourites for the Test series starting tomorrow.

Rahane says there’s no chance the Indians are taking lightly an Australian side without suspended stars Steve Smith and David Warner.

“I feel Australia are still the favourite to win this series,” Rahane told reporters yesterday.

“Yes, they miss Steve Smith and David Warner but I don’t think they are vulnerable.

“Definitely Steve Smith and Warner are quality players, I am not going to take anything away from them.

“But on a given day, anyone can score a hundred.

“Usman Khawaja is equally dangerous and in their conditions, they know how the wicket behaves.

“We’re not going to take Australia lightly.

“Their batsmen, yes, are not that experienced but still I feel they are equally dangerous.”

Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft will miss the series after being suspended for balltampering in South Africa last March.

Rahane said Australia deserved favouritism entering the first Test because of their bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.

“They have got a really good bowling attack,” Rahane said.

“And I think when you are to win a Test series and Test matches you have got to have a good bowling attack.”