India can’t repeat SA, Eng blunders

The extra pace and height of Australian pacers will give them advantage against Indian batsmen

batting is crucial because if India get on top of the off-spinner, Tim Paine will have to rely more heavily on his much-vaunted pace attack.

Any way India can find to tax the Australian pace bowlers, other than through the dominant stroke play of skipper Virat Kohli, will enhance their chances of posting match winning totals. When Shaw returns from injury India will face a tough choice because despite his obvious talent, K L Rahul does find ways to get himself out. In summarising India’s missed opportunities in both South Africa and England, Kohli said; “We turned difficult sessions into horrible sessions.”

This trait will once again prove to be terminal if India doesn’t find a way to stop the bleeding soon after it starts. Australia’s attack is a good one and they have the ability to plow through a line-up if they get on a roll.

THE BETTER ATTACK

The big difference between the two attacks is Australia’s extra pace and height. These attributes allow the Australian pace men to unsettle the opposition with short-pitched bowling if not much is happening. This is a regular part of cricket in Australia and therefore the local bowlers have much more experience than the tourists.

There’s no doubt that Australia’s batting is weakened with the suspension of both Steve Smith and David Warner but they do tend to play better under their own conditions. The two best remaining batsmen are lefthanders Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh and this is where Ravi Ashwin could play a telling role.

If Ashwin establishes an early superiority over this pair -- and Adelaide will provide encouragement for his use of over-spin -- then he’ll place his side on the path to victory.

The early odds have these two teams about even and this is a fair summation; I won’t be surprised if Australia win nor will it be a revelation if India is the victor.

However to win for the first time in Australia, India have to overcome some daunting psychological hurdles.

(The author is a former Australian Test captain and is writing exclusively for Hindustan Times)

AFP Australia captain Tim Paine (right) and India skipper Virat Kohli pose with the Border-gavaskar Trophy ahead of the first Test starting at the Adelaide Oval from Thursday. India have won only one of their 11 Tests at this venue.