One of the most awaited series begins. India taking on Australia in Australia. A lot of narratives come in but to start, we will be seeing two fast bowlers at the top of their games leading their sides at Perth. India will be hurting after getting whitewashed by New Zealand at home and they know that their hopes of getting to the WTC Finals is now very slim. While the required margin of 4-0 in Australia is a next-to-impossible task for India to achieve against Australia, they will be hoping to get some results to keep themselves in and about the top two. Can they though? Their line-up possess so many questions.

Firstly their opening issue with Rohit Sharma out and their number three Shubman Gill injured as well. The next question they will face is the inclusion of their spinners. While Perth generally offers very little for spin early on, the cracks opening up does tend to bring spinners in as Nathan Lyon once spun India to defeat in 2018. India has Ashwin, Jadeja and Washington Sundar. In the past they have looked at Jadeja as the sole spinner overseas but Ashwin did really well last time in Australia and the lefties in the line-up could push him in the reckoning as well. Furthermore, while Ashwin is a little off rhythm, both Ashwin and Jadeja have in the past shown that the duo can both find space in the eleven with Jadeja in particular contributing spectacularly with the bat. Their pace attack is another question given they are short on experience. The biggest concern though will be Virat Kohli who is due a big score. Can Australia bring the best out of him?

Australia has a more settled line-up, fortunately. The return of Smith to number four though left an opening spot vacant and that is where Nathan McSweeny will get his opportunity. Australia are likely to start with their big three pacers and Nathan Lyon but they will remember the importance of rotation given their pacers were tired by the time India came to the Gabba last time around. Australia will be eager to get the cup back to them after last winning the Border Gavaskar in 2014. With India short on experience and form this is their best chance. They will look to silence Virat Kohli and in turn find ways to get him thinking about his future as well.

AUS vs IND Match Details

Date: November 22nd, 2024

Time:  7:50 AM IST

Venue: Perth Stadium

AUS vs IND Weather Report

The weather is clear for the Test with some heat coming in towards the back end. 

AUS vs IND Pitch Report

Batting first generally remains a better option in most Australian grounds. With rain in the lead-up to the Test match though the pitch could have some extra moisture which prevents the cracks from opening up as easily.

AUS vs IND Head to Head

AUS vs IND Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

IND Playing XI

Yashashvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan/ Dhruv Jurel/ Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja/ Harshit Rana, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna 

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

AUS vs IND Key Players

Ravichandran Ashwin

The spotlight has been on Virat Kohli's form but another legend who didn't have a good time at home against New Zealand was Ravichandran Ashwin. While Ashwin still has it in him and is bowling well, his rhythm has been off. Like Kohli though, he loves the competition and challenge and will be waiting to get going at the Aussies. He has a strong chance of making the eleven with his head to head against Smith and the presence of a good number of lefties in the Aussie side. Overall though Ashwin will be waiting to get in and find form very soon.

Marnus Labuschagne

While the talk generally is about Steve Smith's mammoth scores against India in the past and Travis Head's recent love for the Indian bowlers, Marnus Labuschagne is one to silently watch. On the last tour to Australia, Labuschagne was consistent in making crucial fifties, and a hundred as well, batting out time and silently irritating the Indian bowlers.

AUS vs IND Match Tips

India's confidence would have taken a huge beating after their last series against New Zealand and Australia is one of the toughest places to visit when low on confidence. While the Indian players are capable of getting back to form, Australia are likely to start favorites given their own strength at home.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win The Match