Once more, Team India is preparing for the impending Border-Gavaskar Trophy matchup with the formidable Australians. For the first time since 1991–1992, the series consists of five Test matches. Former Australia coach John Buchanan discussed India’s prospects of winning an unprecedented third straight Test series.
The chief architect of Australia’s early 2000s dominance, Brian Buchanan, feels that Rohit and Virat Kohli’s batting exploits will be the primary factors in deciding India’s fate. But this time, I picked the Australians as the favourites because they know how to take advantage of the home environment against a competitive Indian team.
“Australia performs well at home because they bat well and understand their conditions,” Buchanan stated during the multisport program’s launch for “Ready Steady Go Kids.”
I’m not in favour of Smith’s opening: John Buchanan
The Australian speed attack, which includes Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and captain Pat Cummins, poses a serious threat to the visiting side. According to Buchanan, India might succeed if they adopted a longer batting style akin to that of Cheteshwar Pujara’s earlier visits.
“One of the most potent all-around attacks in international cricket is Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins. A five-challenge series could challenge their physical endurance despite their experience. India may be able to win the series if they can bat not just well but also for extended periods of time, pushing the physical boundaries of the Australian bowlers,” he continued.
Another aspect that can affect India’s performance is the travelling teams’ lack of preparation time. The Indian team may find it difficult to adjust to Australian conditions given that their only scheduled encounter before the day-night Test is a two-day pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI. In the forthcoming series, the former coach thinks the hosts are winning. The 71-year-old also suggested that Steve Smith ought to bat at No. 4 instead of starting. but accepts the managerial choice on the right-hand batter’s position.
“Ahead of this series, Australia will be the favourites. Without sufficient preparation, touring teams find it more and more difficult to be successful. It is difficult to adjust when starting at a location like Perth, which offers quick and bouncey wickets, since teams no longer play multiple warm-up matches prior to the first Test,” the former Australian coach went on.
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“In my opinion, Smith shouldn’t open. At No. 4, he has left his imprint. Naturally, though, Smith, the captain, and the selectors will make the ultimate call,” Buchanan said.
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