India’s chances of winning in Australia will depend on batters: John Buchanan

Former Australian head coach John Buchanan believes India’s chances of winning in Australia will depend on batters. India has won the last two Test series in Australia and the Rohit Sharma-led team will be determined to once again prove their mettle in tough conditions.

Meanwhile, India will have a solid pace battery of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. However, their batters will also have their work cut out against the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Thus, it will be crucial for the Indian batters to put enough runs on the board in the five-match Test series

“Australia, since losing to India in the last series, has a pace bowling attack supported by Nathan Lyon and either Cameron Green or Mitch Marsh,” Buchanan said during the launch of the ‘Ready Steady Go Kids’ multi-sport program at CP Goenka International School. 

“This forms a very powerful bowling lineup. India’s top order, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and possibly Shreyas Iyer, will need to bat exceptionally well to set competitive totals. Only then can their bowlers, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, capitalize.”

Meanwhile, India will be without the experience of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane and Buchanan reckons the previous two series triumphs will not give any psychological edge to the visitors.

 “The past series wins were significant, but players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who were central to those victories, are unlikely to be part of the touring squad this time,” he said. 

“The current players from both sides are at stages in their careers where they all want to perform. So, those past games don’t hold as much sway anymore.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.