The much anticipated Test series between India and Australia gets underway in Pune on Thursday with both sides looking for the early bragging rights in the four match series. The number one spot in the world rankings is up for grabs in this series and that will only add to what was sure to be a competitive run of matches.
India
At home India are in amazing form. You have to go right the way back to 2012 for the last time they lost a Test match at home which is pretty incredible in its own right but in the three series they have played this winter they have destroyed New Zealand, England and Bangladesh albeit the latter being a one match series.
The spin twins of Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja have been the main reason for that recent dominance but their batting in what have at times been tough conditions is another. Their batsmen might face their toughest test in a while in this series but you would think they have more than enough with the ball to be a force again.
Australia
The last time Australia were on these shores they were given a good 4-0 walloping and the immediate task for them is to avoid something similar. They look more equipped to be competitive with the ball in this series but the concern very much comes with their batting. In order for them to get anything from this match their senior men have to deliver the goods.
The concern in their batting wasn’t eased any when they were last in Asia last year. They went to Sri Lanka, a place they had a good record in previously, and were well beaten with their batsmen offering little. It is massive for the Australians to make a big statement in the first innings here to gain some confidence in these conditions.
Team News
It looks like India are going to play three spinners with Jayant Yadav looking like being the third one. He is set to be the only change from the side which saw off Bangladesh recently.
Australia haven’t confirmed their side yet but it looks like both Marsh brothers will feature although there is still a spot for Glenn Maxwell in place of Mitchell Marsh should Australia want to play another spinner. Usman Khawaja is likely to miss out.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
This ground has held international T20s and ODIs in the past but this will be the first Test match to be played here. A dry wicket is being talked about although there is talk that the turn will be slow. Reverse swing could be a feature.
Betting
I’m not going to go too mad for this opening match although I will keep an eye on the match odds and flag up anything that looks out of place as we go along if the opportunity arises. For now though there is just the one bet for me.
It comes in the player performance markets with Ravindra Jadeja the player in question. At 135.5 I think his line looks presentable enough. He is going to bowl a significant number of overs and his batting remains at a level where he can be a major contributor with that too. He’s always on the scene for catches as well so I like the overs here. A special match with bat or ball covers this while an average one has it in range too so it is the overs for me.
Tips
Back R.Jadeja’s Performance – Over 135.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Paddy Power
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