IND V AUS: Reasons why this series will be tough for India than before

After a historic win against Australia on their home soil, the men-in-yellow have touched India base for a couple of limited-overs series against Virat Kohli’s men for redemption. It promises to be a cracking contest between two sides. 

Aussies are a tough team to beat, more so when they have found their lost rhythm. They are fresh after comprehensively beating a hapless Sri Lankan side in the longest format of the game in the recently concluded home series. 

The Aussies' form in the recent past makes them deadly dangerous particularly in the coloured jersey and India will need to be very wary of that. With this, News Nation brings to you the 4 reasons why the upcoming series against Australia will test the Men in Blue.

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1. Australia’s recent form

If we switch the clock back to the year 2018, when two legends of Australian cricket suffered a yearlong suspension, the team as a unit suffered a big blow and never really recovered. Interestingly, Australia hasn’t won an ODI series since 2016-17 but Australians are known to produce the unexpected.

Their recent form against Sri Lanka is yet another example of what this team is capable of. They not only stamped their authority on the opposition but also ensured the other countries stood up and took notice. In these circumstances, India will definitely need to play their best cricket to upstage Australia.

2. All Areas Covered

It wouldn't be wrong to say that the Aussie squad looks pretty much settled, unlike India. Having announced their 15-man squad recently, the selectors have not only made some interesting inclusions but also have all departments covered. With three solid opening combination options, to a choice between all-rounders, to choosing their bowlers, the team looks solid. 

The team management and the skipper will have a happy headache to choose their final eleven. It will be interesting to see how Indian management adapts to the pressure. 

3. Seventh Spot Conundrum

With Hardik Pandya not in the scheme of things for this upcoming tour, the seventh spot conundrum will continue to haunt India in the limited overs series. Though in the absence of Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja has been India’s best option to fill that spot but having him in the squad leaves one of the two wrist spinners from the playing eleven which builds undue pressure on the team in the middle overs. 

To get over this difficulty, the team management also tried Vijay Shankar in the last ODI game against Aussies. However, the 27-year-old Tamil Nadu all-rounder still remains a rookie. With the seventh spot being one of the most important spots in the playing eleven, India may struggle to find the best mix. 

4. The problem of the sixth bowling option 

With Australian player’s part of Indian Premier League from its inception, the players are well equipped to the Indian conditions. So, it is always better to have an extra bowler who can be used in place of one who is having an off day. 

However, the absence of a sixth bowler will continue to trouble India as they only have spinning options for that slot. It will be important for Virat Kohli to use Kedar Jadhav if required.

HIGHLIGHTS

• India will play against Australia on 24 February. 
• The two teams will play a couple of limited overs series. 
• This will also be India's last assignment before the World Cup.