Australia vs India 2018: I am Picking Australia Over India but Don’t Ask Me Why - Ian Chappell

Former Australia captain, Ian Chappell predicted Australia will emerge as a strong contender and will impose a win over India in Tests. Meanwhile, India and Australia will play their first Test in Adelaide on December 6. However, Ian says the way the Indians had performed in England and South Africa, Australia could prove to be the better team at home. Virat Kohli-led team on two overseas tours this year faced defeat, as they went down 1-2 against South Africa, and later lost to England 1-4.

Australians for me this time around – Ian Chappell

“I am going to pick Australia, but don’t ask me why I am picking them. I think the only reasonable reason I can give is that I was disappointed the way India played in England and I thought they should have won that series,” Ian Chappell said.

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Speaking of David Warner and Steven Smith, the duo is serving a ban of twelve months from international cricket after getting involved in a ball-tampering scandal earlier this year in South Africa. Thus, Ian Chappell feels India could have their best chance of winning Tests at Down Under.

“Certainly, on talent, they should beat this Australian side, but there might just be something missing,” he added.

“It is a very good one. It is proven under Australian conditions, and the Indian attack is not proven under Australian conditions. So it is pretty flimsy evidence, but I am going to pick Australia.” Ian Chappell further added.

Competition between Virat and bowlers would be great – Ian Chappell

Furthermore, the 75-year-old wants to see the India skipper, Virat Kohli scoring runs in the series. Chappell also wants a heavy competition among the Aussie bowlers and Kohli.

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“…I’m particularly looking forward to the competition between Australia’s pace bowlers and Virat Kohli. That should be a great contest. Last time he was here, Kohli played really well,” Ian Chappell said.

Meanwhile, the veteran from Australia appreciated India’s bowling attack and also mentioned they had done an extraordinary job against England.

“They got the ball to move around. I’m not sure they will get the same kind of assistance in Australian conditions, so I’m interested to see how they bowl, and I think those two things could tell a big story in the series,” Ian Chappell concluded.