The third Test between India and Australia is just around the corner, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 1. Australia faced intense scrutiny for their batting collapse on Day 3 in Delhi despite being ahead in the Test after the first two days. They are eager to put that criticism behind them as they take the field in Indore.
INDIA WILL LOOK TO CONFIRM THEIR PLACE IN THE WTC FINAL
To make a comeback in the Test series, Australia needs to win several crucial match-ups against a strong India XI. Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc’s declared fitness will bolster the team despite Cummins’ absence. However, David Warner’s absence will hurt the team, and Travis Head is likely to open with Usman Khawaja in Indore, similar to the second innings in Delhi.
So, Australia will look to win the following 3 match-ups to bounce back in the series:
Mitchell Starc must perform well in the upcoming Indore Test. Despite missing the first two Tests due to a broken finger, Starc is ready to take the field. He needs to focus on taking wickets with the new ball, especially against Rohit Sharma. Rohit has been a thorn in Australia’s side, scoring a century in the first Test and critical runs in the second. He has not been dismissed by Starc in the past, which adds to the intrigue of their upcoming face-off.
- Cheteshwar Pujara vs Nathan Lyon
Cheteshwar Pujara has struggled against off-spin in the current Test series, getting out twice to Todd Murphy and Nathan Lyon. Although he secured a victory for his team in the previous match, Pujara needs to improve his defense as Lyon has already dismissed him 11 times in Tests. Therefore, the upcoming match in Indore will be a test for Pujara.
- Travis Head vs Ravichandran Ashwin
Travis Head’s impressive performance in the second innings of the previous Test could be beneficial for Australia on a spin-friendly Indore pitch. However, Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s crafty spinner, has already dismissed Head twice in Tests and will be a challenge for the southpaw. This battle between the two players will be fascinating to observe.
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