In the box seat, India unlikely to let slip dream series win
Kohli’s passionate leadership, free hand to bowlers will be key to win first series in Aus
and every time Kohli has needed something extra, the stuttering run up and the lethal straight arm delivery has dispensed the goods.
However both Ishant Sharma with his new found consistency and Mohammed Shami’s ability to occasionally produce a lethal delivery, have contributed greatly to India’s domination of the fragile Australian top order. Sharma will, however, miss the Test due to a rib injury.
The fact that coach Justin Langer is lamenting the lack of runs among potential replacements for a line-up that is in disarray, says everything you need to know about the current state of batting in Australia.
This is not India’s concern; their job is to ensure the Australian selectors have an even greater headache when the SCG Test is concluded.
If India does play the two spinners this will place greater responsibility on the top five batsmen.
Mayank Agarwal amply displayed his credentials at the MCG and along with the defiant defence of Cheteshwar Pujara and the skill of Kohli, this gives India a reliable trio.
At the MCG, India held Nathan Lyon to one wicket and a repeat of that performance would go a long way towards a winning total.
There were also signs that Rishabh Pant now understands his batting is worth more that a few slogged boundaries and a careless dismissal.
India are in the box seat to achieve a much sought after series victory over Australia at home. Sometimes the last rung on a steep climb is the most difficult and India need to remain alert and aggressive, a message their captain will drive home with his usual passion.