Australia vs India 2018: 5 Interesting Player Battles to Watch Out In Tests

The series between Australia and India is always an intriguing clash for apparent reasons. The emotions fly high, as both the sides compete till the last moment to emerge out victorious for their respective countries. Meanwhile, the time has come to witness yet another entertaining series between both teams. In the meantime, we have figured out 5 interesting player battles to watch out in Tests (Australia vs India 2018).

Here are the 5 interesting player battles to watch out in Tests –

5. Ravichandran Ashwin vs Shaun Marsh:

Ashwin had a forgettable outing when he last toured Australia. However, this time, he has got a considerable amount of experience and the various kinds of deliveries in his arsenal. He was very confident in his words and the last series against England would be the decent push for him to get the success.

With the Australians having quite a few left-handed batsmen in the side, Ashwin might come into the game during the crunch time of the games. Usually, the spinners come into the match after the conclusion of the spell from the fast bowlers to the top-order.

So, it is expected Marsh will be on the strike when Ashwin gets the ball in his hand. However, Ashwin bowling to a left-hander is a treat to watch if the pitch assists him a bit. On the other hand, Shaun Marsh is an excellent player as well.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara vs Nathan Lyon:

Here comes yet another off-spinner into the fold. Lyon has been the man for Australia over the years when the pitch assists even a bit for the spinners. He has got the knack of picking wickets for his side and also very efficient in executing the plans for the team.

Meanwhile, India has got Cheteshwar Pujara, who has the incredible skill to knock the spinner out. With India failing to tackle spinners in the overseas conditions, it would be interesting to see how the duo would fight it out.

3. Josh Hazlewood vs KL Rahul:

Ahead of going into the game or a series, team India’s one of the utmost concerns is the form of KL Rahul. The right-handed batsman is walking on the thick ice, as far as his presence in the playing XI is concerned.

Apart from the century against England at the Kennington Oval, he hardly bagged any solid numbers in his kitty. On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood would come out with full throttle. He is making his comeback after the injury and got the lovely outswinger to get the edge from KL Rahul’s flashy.

The new ball contest between the duo would be a treat to watch. Hopefully, an exciting clash is on the way for the spectators.

2. Usman Khawaja vs Jasprit Bumrah:

The graph of Jasprit Bumrah in international cricket across the formats would be mind-boggling for analysts. From the doubts on his survival in Tests to becoming the trustworthy bowler, Bumrah has raised his rank like none other in International cricket.

On the other hand, Usman Khawaja is the current best player in the ranks available for Australia. They would hope him does the trick for their country while India would ask Bumrah to deliver his wicket.

1. Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc:

Would there be any other interesting battle than this? Earlier, it was Johnson, and now, Starc would love to take that role in going after Virat Kohli. His pace and swing on those bouncy tracks would be pretty tough for the batsman to tackle.

On the other hand, it is Virat Kohli. Can you imagine Virat Kohli being quiet in Australia? Never!!! He has got the unique ability to deliver for India with his willow and with his words as well.

Certainly, the atmosphere is going to be a cracker when Starc delivers the cherry against the world-class Virat Kohli. Maybe a bouncer to the helmet? Umm, yeah, but the Indian skipper got a brilliant pull shot in his arsenal.