Australia will start their bid to turn into Test cricket’s undisputed No.1 staff in the identical metropolis they final secured the Border-Gavaskar trophy in India.
Pat Cummins’ staff will try to make historical past and finish India’s 11-year unbeaten streak in Test collection’ at residence.
Australia have already got the No.1 rating but when they have been to salute in India for the primary time since 2004 it might elevate the staff’s standing to greatness.
The first Test will get underway on Thursday at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium, about 25 minutes away from the previous Test floor within the metropolis the place an Adam Gilchrist-led staff gained 19 years in the past to wrap up the collection.
Australia dominated cricket from the mid-Nineties to 2007, twice profitable a file 16 Tests in a row and claiming three-straight ODI world cups.
But Gilchrist believes profitable in India was close to the top of Australia’s golden technology of cricket.
“I think it was one, if not the highlights of that playing group’s journey to secure victory in the country that had been sort of tormenting Australian cricket for 34 years,” the Fox Cricket expertise and commentator informed AAP.
“Surprisingly, we had a wicket (in Nagpur) that sort of worked a little bit more towards our favour; I think there was some grass on it and had some decent pace and carry.”
Former Australia captain Steve Waught typically referred to India because the ‘remaining frontier’, however he retired lower than a yr earlier than the staff’s drought-breaking success.
“Immediately we reflected on some of the challenges we had,” Gilchrist stated.
“The moment we won, my mind cast back straight to Steve Waugh, and we were keen to speak to Steve on the phone, which we did, just because he helped build our knowledge base to get to where we want it to go.
“The indisputable fact that Ricky (Ponting) was there, albeit not enjoying at that time (as a result of harm), it was nice to have him there as a result of it was an actual mixed staff effort of all senior gamers and our administration workers.”
Australia will enter the opening match of the four-Test series without injured quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, as well as allrounder Cameron Green.
Cummins will not reveal his XI until the toss on Thursday but young spinner Todd Murphy is firming to make his debut and partner star veteran Nathan Lyon on a turning pitch.
Scott Boland will almost certainly partner Cummins as Australia’s only other quick in what would be the popular Victorian’s first Test outside of Australia.
With Green still recovering from a broken finger, Australia need to choose between Peter Handscomb or Matt Renshaw at No.6.
Renshaw performed in Australia’s final Test in January however selectors may resolve to select the right-handed Handscomb to fight India’s trio of spinners who plan to focus on left-handers David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Travis Head.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
