All eyes are now on India’s intriguing four-match Test series in Australia.
They are looking for successive Test series wins Down Under after lifting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during their last visit in 2018-19.
Virat Kohli’s men lost this tour’s ODI series but hit back to take the T20I series.
It sets up an interesting tussle in the longest format of the game that could also have a big say in qualification for next year’s World Test Championship final.
However, it is Australia that are short-priced favorites to take the series win with online betting sites in India. They are as low as 1.4 with bet365, with India available at 5.5.
Let’s take a look at three key hurdles India will have to overcome to land another series of successes.
Captain Kohli heading home
Perhaps the biggest issue for India for the majority of this Test series will be contending without skipper Virat Kohli.
He featured in both the ODI and T20I series but will only play in the series opener in Adelaide on December 17. He then heads home to be with his pregnant wife.
It means India will be without him when they travel to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test and again for the third and fourth clashes in Sydney and Brisbane in January.
How they cope without their batting talisman and how they are led by vice-skipper Ajinkya Rahane could have a big say.
Selection issues to be resolved
India had a much more settled side back in 2018-19 and will have to hope others can take their opportunity this time around.
Their squad has a good mix of youth and experience but getting that balance right at selection time is going to be vital.
Ishant Sharma suffered an injury during the IPL and won’t feature but batsman Rohit Sharma could ease the pressure by returning for the final two Tests.
There is also the question of where in-from KL Rahul plays after making his return to the Test squad.
However, working out who will come into the bowling attack is another important development.
Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah look a good bet but who is chosen to accompany them is a big shout.
It is certainly going to be interesting to see how young RCB seamers Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini get on in Australian conditions should they get the opportunity.
Whoever they choose, it’s clear to see their line-up is anything but certain at this stage.
Smith back for the Aussies
Steve Smith and David Warner were missing the last time India headed Down Under.
Both men were absent due to their ball-tampering bans but have since returned to bolster the side.
Warner is missing the first test through injury but India will have to find a way past the formidable Smith.
He’s a player that relishes the longest format and will no doubt be a key man for the Aussies this time.
His return gives their top order a far stronger look compared to the team they defeated two years ago.
In summary, if India is to land another Test series win on Australian soil they have a few issues to iron out first.
Getting selection and the mix of youth and experience right, coping without Kohli, and finally dealing with Steve Smith are all going to be vital.
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