Former Australian all-rounder Brendon Julian has predicted a resounding victory for the hosts in the upcoming first Test against India, scheduled to commence on November 22 in Perth. Julian’s bold prediction stems from India’s recent struggles, particularly their humiliating defeat at the hands of New Zealand earlier this month.
Julian believes that India’s captaincy woes, with Rohit Sharma likely to miss the first Test due to personal reasons, could further hinder their chances. He suggests that Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to lead the team in Sharma’s absence, may face additional pressure that could impact his bowling performance.
“The Aussies will clean up India in 4 days,” Julian asserted. “There are worrying signs for India, straight at the top. Rohit Sharma is not playing the first Test; he has come out and said that. So Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side. Now that’s a lot of pressure when you’re the opening bowler. He is a wonderful bowler; no doubt about that. But all of a sudden when you’re opening the bowling and captaining the side, that’s a whole different ball game.”
Julian also expressed concerns about Virat Kohli’s form, suggesting that the star batter is not in sync with Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. “The way that Virat Kohli got out against New Zealand – for him to get out like that in that Test series was unbelievable. Kohli is not at his best. He is not gelling with the captain probably and the coach but having said that, he can quickly turn it around. But if they start pulling in Perth, I reckon it’ll be all over,” he added.
Kohli’s presence in Australia has always generated significant buzz, but this series holds immense importance for him. It is viewed as a make-or-break phase in his illustrious career, with the former Indian captain under pressure to regain his form and secure his spot in the Test team amid a potential transition phase.
Kohli’s current form is a cause for concern. In 19 international matches this year, the 80-time centurion has managed to score only 488 runs at an average of 20.33, with just two half-centuries in 25 innings and a highest score of 76. His struggles in Test cricket have been particularly troubling, given his past dominance in the format.
