Sports
Image Credits: @CricketAus
As expected, the discussion around the pitch, likely to be a square-turner, has taken a centre stage ahead of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023. The selective watering and rolling of the pitch have caused major furore among Australian fans and journalists.
Image Credit: @ICC
Amidst such outrage, the talk around an actual contest between the two sides has gotten overshadowed. So, let's take a look at five of the key battles between players that will keep you on the edge of your seat:
Image Credit: @BCCI
R Ashwin vs Steven Smith The greatest batter ever to tour India will be up against one of the greatest spinners of our generation. Both being cricket nerds, the battle will be more mental than physical. Will Ashwin humble Smith? Or would the Aussies stand tall? Only time will tell.
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Virat Kohli vs Nathan Lyon Australia are sweating over the fitness of Cameron Green, who will have a massive role to play on his first tour to India. Green is recovering from a finger injury, and his performance remains doubtful for the first match.
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R Ashwin vs Left-Handed Batters Like Green, Mitchell Starc is also nursing a finger injury, and has already confirmed his availability for the first Test. While Starc remains a force to reckon with, Australia can manage without him in what would be a very spin-friendly condition.
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Pat Cummins vs Rohit Sharma Yeah, everyone knows the pitch won't favour the pacers, but that doesn't mean one should rule out Pat Cummins, one of the greatest bowlers of our time. Cummins vs Rohit Sharma will be a riveting contest. Expect the Aussie speedster to pepper his Indian counterparts with some nasty bouncers.
Image Credit: @BCCI
Mitchell Starc vs Shreyas Iyer Neither of them will be playing the first Test, but they are likely to be available for the rest of the series. Iyer's weakness against short-pitched bowling is well-known, and Starc appears to be looking forward to exploit that.