History says it will be a challenging tour of India for the Australian team. It’s a tough enough tour at the best of times, but India’s form in the past 18 months especially is ominous.
They are unbeaten in their last 20 Tests at home, and haven’t lost a home series since 2012 when they were beaten by England.
Four of their likely top order for the first Test beginning in Pune this week averaged over 50 in Tests in 2016.
Virat Kohli – 1215 runs at 75
Cheteshwar Pujara – 836 runs at 55
Ajinkya Rahane – 653 runs at 54
Lokesh Rahul – 539 runs at 59
Their stats were helped by big hundreds, but that in itself is a worry. The Indian batsmen seem to really know how to cash in and get big scores.
Amazingly, Karun Nair (who scored an unbeaten triple century in just his third Test against England in December) is unlikely to be selected for at least the first two Tests against Australia, now that Ajinkya Rahane is back from injury.
Kohli has already continued his great run of form so far in 2017, scoring a double century two weeks ago in a one-off Test against Bangladesh.
Only Steve Smith averaged more than 50 for Australia in Tests during 2016.
Looking at India’s bowling attack, the signs are similarly ominous. Off-spinner Ravi Ashwin recently became the fastest player in history to take 250 Test wickets, reaching that milestone in just his 45th Test.
He took 72 Test wickets at an average of 23 in 2016, far more than any other bowler in world cricket.
His left arm spin partner Ravi Jadeja only took 43 Test wickets at 24 last year by comparison, but he played three fewer Tests than Ashwin and his haul still places him among the top wicket-takers in Test cricket last year.
India won their last home Test series against Australia 4-0 in 2013. Seven players in our current touring squad were on that tour – Steve Smith, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird and Mitchell Starc – though neither Khawaja nor Bird played in any of the Tests.
What are your predictions for this four Test series?
Tanmoy Kar
Guest
I think it would be 3-0 in favour of India, Australia will manage to draw a match may be at Bengaluru or Ranchi.
Shubham sharma
Guest
Most people seem to think Australia will draw or win a game, I hope so that happens and happens within first two games to make the series interesting and competitive
matth
Guest
One thing is for certain. At the end of this tour Australia will still have won in India once in 45 years and India will still have never won in Australia. Maybe a series at a neutral venue one day?
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
I am in the 3-1 camp. I would like it to be very close, for this is the best rivalry in Cricket at the moment, but not completely convinced that the Indians will falter. And I agree with you that on current form, for australia to come up with a series draw or win, the Indians will have to falter in both the batting and bowling consistently in the 4 match series. Don't find it easy to imagine how and why that would be when they are on a run like this at home.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
4-0 is a near-definite, weather permitting. The real interest is whether India have to bat a second time in more games than not. They probably will, because of how reluctant captains are to enforce the follow-on.
Rob JM
Guest
India 3-1 +/- 1 I think our bowlers and batsmen will do well in a couple of test, if their performances line up we can win. Expect india to dominate a couple and could easily steam roll us.
tommyh
Guest
4-0 if no rain about !
qwetzen
Guest
I predict that betting agencies will be nervous about the volume of 'India 4-0' money. (Atm this is 2nd favourite on Betfair.au. India 3-0 is favourite)
Ray
Roar Rookie
India 3-1 for me, I think we might sneak a Test win but hard to see us getting the series.