India’s quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Test series triumph in Australia begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. After their historic victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21, Rohit Sharma’s team faces a formidable challenge in a five-Test series, the first since 1991-92.
India’s bowling attack, boasting the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin, is expected to play a pivotal role. Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson believes India has the firepower to conquer Australia once again.
“India’s pace attack will be where they predominantly win that series,” Watson said. “They’ve got the firepower to be able to do it, but to be able to do it five Test matches in a row in Australia, they’ll have to rotate them as well.”
Watson acknowledged that India’s spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja may not be as effective in Australia as they are in other parts of the world. However, he emphasized that their skill and experience will still pose a significant threat to the Australian batters.
India’s batting lineup, featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and rising stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, is expected to provide a stern test for the hosts. Watson believes India’s attacking approach could put pressure on the Australian bowlers.
“With the calibre of batters that India have got and the skill they’ve got, there’s no reason why they can’t combine that, putting pressure on the bowlers, score quickly but also not make mistakes,” he said.
Watson warned that Australia will need to be at their best to overcome India’s formidable team. “The last time that they met in Australia, India played very, very well. They will have their confidence from that last tour,” he said.
“But just knowing the firepower that India do have with the bat and the ball and how they continue to come together, Australia are going to have to be at their very, very best to be able to win that series.”
After the Perth opener, India will face Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
