New Delhi: Much has been talked about the India-Australia test series but the unfortunate demise of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes overshadowed the series in recent days. Now that the chips are down, India TV analyses the strength and weakness of both the Indian and Australian squads before the four-test series which starts in Adelaide on Tuesday:
Top Order:
Australia
2014 has been the year David Warner will love to cherish for rest of his life. During this year which still has some more days to go, he has already scored 1,199 test runs at an average of 74.93. India can't afford to be complacent with him as the memory of his 69-ball century in Perth three years ago, has yet to fade out from their memory.
Chris Rogers has had a less successful time, particularly in the recent 2-0 series defeat against Pakistan, but got back among the runs in state cricket and his growing understanding with Warner has value in itself.
Number three in the order has become a problem for Australia with the most recent incumbents Alex Doolan and Glenn Maxwell joining a string of discards at “first drop”. It was this spot that Phillip Hughes would most likely have filled had he not died when batting to earn a recall.
Shane Watson, who occupied the berth during Australia's Ashes sweep of England, prefers to play as high up the order as possible and will need to be fitted in somewhere. Who bats at number four will depend on the hamstring of Michael Clarke with Shaun Marsh ready to step in if the skipper fails to prove his fitness for Adelaide.
India
Unfortunately India don't have opener like David Warner who can tear apart opponent's bowling attack particularly on foreign soil. Shikhar Dhawan, like many of Indian batsmen, has same problem with rising deliveries which are expected once series gets underway. In 2014 Shikhar has scored 337 runs in five matches with just one century and one half century. He was found wanting on seaming conditions.
Murali Vijay is still a newcomer and gets easily intimidated with rising delivery though once settled, has the ability to hang on. 2014 has seen him score 450 runs in seven matches with one century.
Of all youngsters Ajinkya Rahane has the potential, technique and temperament to ward off hostile attack. In a short period of time, he has gained the reputation of the main stay of Indian batting line-up. His batting does remind of Rahul Dravid-the wall.
Virat Kohli, the poster boy of Indian cricket and who would be leading in the first test in the absence of Dhoni, would like to forget England tour where he failed miserably. Though he is among the runs during two practice matches but will be under immense pressure to lead from the front amidst barrage of hostile pace attack led by Mitchell Johnson.
For Cheteshwar Pujara this would be a real test as lot is expected of him after his average performance during England and New Zealand tour.
