India captain Virat Kohli and his men are primed to set that record straight this time around with the hosts missing key batsmen – Steve Smith and David Warner due to ball-tampering suspensions.
Having never won a Test series Down Under, all eyes will be on India as they step out for the upcoming four-Test series starting from December 6 (Thursday), against Australia.
India captain Virat Kohli and his men are primed to set that record straight this time around with the hosts missing key batsmen – Steve Smith and David Warner due to ball-tampering suspensions.
With Kohli enjoying unprecedented success across formats in 2018, it is expected that he will put up a good show in one of his favourite countries – Australia.
The venue for the first Test is Adelaide, where Kohli enjoys a Don Bradmanesque average. The Delhi right-hander has played two Tests at Adelaide Oval, scoring 394 runs including three centuries, at a brilliant average of 98.50. The Australian team should be on their toes keeping in mind the impressive stats and recent form of the 30-year-old.
At the start of 2018, Kohli finished as the highest run-getter in the three-Test series against South Africa with 286 runs including a century, at an average of 47.67. That was followed by 593 runs (two tons) in 10 innings at an average close to 60 in England. Kohli also went on to score an impressive 184 runs in two innings against the West Indies in the two-Test rubber at home.
Recently, in the practice game against Cricket Australia (CA) XI, Kohli warmed up in style with 64 off 87. India, to win their maiden Test series in Australia, will have to be on top of their game against a formidable pace attack spearheaded by Mitchell Starc.
India were dealt a massive blow as the talented youngster Prithvi Shaw was ruled out of the first Test, after getting injured while attempting a catch during the game against CA XI. Shaw's replacement is yet to be named and KL Rahul and Murali Vijay are set to open.
As many experts feel, this could be India’s best chance to win in Australia and for that to happen, Kohli will have to play a huge role. And he is ready for it.
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