Published on: Dec 12, 2018 12:17 pm IST|Updated on: Dec 12, 2018 12:21 pm IST
India’s 31-run victory in the Adelaide Test has set up the series nicely. Australia got a wake-up call and are now under tremendous pressure for the second test at Perth, a place that has been their happy hunting ground.
Australia’s batting had a difficult time against Indian quicks in the series opener and should not expect any less in a more friendlier environment. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma are being called India’s best-ever visiting pace trio and they gave ample demonstrations of that at Adelaide.
Indian trio took 14 wickets at 23.8 while Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins combined managed 11 at 27.45 in the first Test. India contingent is ahead at the moment but sure Australians can catch up with them at Perth. The second test could well be the battle between the quick bowlers from either side.
Like WACA, the Optus Stadium can be expected to be a fiery arena for the quicks. In the last game here, South Africa’s seamer ran through the Australian batting lineup, snaring seven of Australia’s wickets for 15.29 and registered a comfortable six-wicket win. It demonstrated of how the wicket may play.
The Curator Brett Sipthorpe at Optus Stadium, talking to PerthNow, said, “I want to see the bowlers with the upper hand for a change. Pace and bounce gives them that weaponry.”
Related: Perth will suit Australia more, feels Ponting
bet365: Australia – 23/30, India – 6/5, Draw – 6
Skybet: Australia – 5/4, India – 6/5, Draw – 5
betfair: Australia – 11/10, India – 11/10, Draw – 13/2
The books are suggesting a close fight but slightly in favour of the home side Australia.
Top Australia batsmen – Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh
Top India batsmen – Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara
Top Australia bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon
Top India bowler – Jasprit Bumrah