India vs Australia: India rely on their seamers to make it 2-0.

India could play Bhuvi and Vihari; after injuries to Ashwin and Rohit leading into the Perth against Australia. Australia name unchanged 11, which means Mitchell Marsh misses out.


As an Indian Fan, whenever Kohli celebrates its a joy to watch. Even if its 5.30 in the morning I'd always celebrate in front of the TV. No matter anyone's celebrating, or no the skipper is always there. He is someone who brings passion and that aggressive attitude on the field. Yes, India were the favorites leading into the series. What makes me so happy is that even after being three down in the first session we got back into the game nicely, and after that, we never looked in a backward position. Thanks to a brilliant partnership between Pujara and Rahane. Pujara was at his resilient best, and his hundred came at a quicker pace then it usually does. First innings lead meant Indian Fast Bowlers had to finish the job who all were excellent. What's done is done moving on to the Second Test a lot is expected from the fast bowlers.

Never in my life, I had heard that India will depend on their seamers to not only win them a TEST MATCH but the TEST SERIES. But here we are; going by the stipulations new Perth ground will have pace, bounce, and grass. Which should suit India’s faster bowlers. Earlier this year, India played on Wanderer’s pitch which was a dangerous one.  Ishant Sharma who’s been India’s senior bowler in the Test Format would want to improve on his no-ball problems. While Vihari gets his chance of playing in place of Rohit Sharma. India also has an option of playing Ravinder Jadeja who could be a convenient choice, who hold on from one hand and can be useful lower down the order with the bat.

On the other side, Australia has been scrutinized for their performance in the first test; for playing with a negative mindset and not feeling confident on the field. Going by recent results India look a more confident side. Australia’s top order hasn’t performed well, and Aaron Finch's place in the team has been questioned who hasn’t played a single first-class game. Marcus Harris the top order batsman who made his debut in the Adelaide test returns to his home ground having played for Western Australia and Perth Scorchers previously. What Australia does have in their ranks is a world class spinner in Nathan Lyon, they also have Mitchell Starc who hasn’t bowled as he does. Hazelwood bowled well in a spell but nothing which Australia could get excited about going into the second test. Questions still remain intact about Time Paine’s captaincy role.

India’s top order batsmen might have held on their places but, Rahul and Vijay both need big scores if they want to keep their positions in the side safe. After a magnificent debut hundred against the Windies, Prithvi Shaw who’s currently injured would be waiting in the wings for his chances, after recovering. If Rahul and Vijay don't get their act to together, Shaw could get his chance, if not this series then the series after this. Another batsman who India rely heavily on in the overseas condition is India’s Vice-Captain, Ajinkya Rahane. He did put on a good partnership with Pujara in the first test. But, going by the recent series form, he has lost his one-day spot and hasn’t got scores which India would expect from an experienced player now. Kohli has shown a lot of faith in Rahane, the last time India Toured Australia Kohli and Rahane came close to victory in a 300 odd chase in the fourth innings at Adelaide. Rahane getting amongst the runs would create a positive vibe in the minds of Indian Batsman.



Team Predictions:

Australia: 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Marcus Harris, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Shaun Marsh, 5 Peter Handscomb, 6 Travis Head, 7 Tim Paine (capt & wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood

India: 1 M Vijay, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (capt) 5 Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Hanuma Vihari, 7 Rishabh Pant (wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Ishant Sharma, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Jasprit Bumrah



Stats:

*So far in 2018, India's fast bowlers have a combined strike rate of 47.3 in Test cricket -- their best-ever in a calendar year.

*Mitchell Starc is nine wickets away from becoming the 17th Australia bowler to reach 200 Test wickets.

*KL Rahul needs 106 runs more to complete 2000 runs in Test cricket.

*Perth Stadium will become the tenth Australian venue to host a Test.


Players To Watch Out For:

Jasprit Bumrah: One Bowler who gets unnoticed even if he delivers a match-winning performance it is Jasprit Bumrah. What’s even better about him is that he doesn’t bother about that stuff and always says that he looks to keep improving and not thinking much. WACA Wicket would suit his bowling, and with his awkward action, he generally gets the ball to seem and bounce, making it difficult for the batsman. Bumrah, after making his debut in Test Cricket has created a debate about; in which format is he the most useful?

Anything to go by I’d say his more than decent in the Test Format of the game.


Mitchell Starc: If there’s one player to get things going for Australia than it has to be Starc. When he’s at his very best destructing the stumps and cleaning the tail for his nation; there’s no better site on a cricket field (“Done him and shattered the stumps”). Off late Injuries have made him sit on the bench. Perth pitch will offer bounce, and if Starc can obtain pace and bounce, he will make it hard work for the top order batsman.