The much-anticipated India vs Australia 1st Test is finally here. The match marks the start of the Border-Gavaskar Series and is a crucial encounter for both teams. The Indian team is looking to secure a berth in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), while the Australian team is seeking revenge for their previous losses against India.
India’s Journey to the WTC Final
India has been one of the most consistent teams in the World Test Championship and has been on a winning streak since the tournament’s inception. With two wins and a draw in their last three Tests, India has put themselves in a strong position to secure a place in the WTC final.
Australia’s Mission for Redemption
Australia has not had a great run in the World Test Championship and has suffered losses against India in their previous encounters. The Australian team is looking to turn things around and make a statement in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Series. The team will be eager to prove their critics wrong and show their worth as one of the top teams in the world.
Key Players to Watch Out For
The Indian team will be relying on the performances of their key players, such as skipper Virat Kohli and star batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. Kohli has been in exceptional form in recent Tests and will be looking to continue his good run. Pujara, on the other hand, has been a rock in the Indian middle-order and will be crucial in ensuring India’s strong batting performance.
The Australian team will also be relying on their key players, such as captain Tim Paine and star batsman Steve Smith. Paine will be crucial in leading the team and ensuring a solid performance from the Australians. Smith, who is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world, will be eager to make a big impact in the first Test.
Match Prediction
The India vs Australia 1st Test promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams determined to secure the upper hand. With both teams boasting strong batting and bowling lineups, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the match. However, India’s consistent form and the return of some key players from injury make them the favorites to win the first Test.
Final Thoughts
The India vs Australia 1st Test is a highly anticipated encounter and will set the tone for the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Series. With both teams determined to secure a win, the match promises to be a nail-biting encounter. The outcome of the match will have a huge impact on the World Test Championship and will determine which team moves one step closer to securing a place in the final.
What was the result of the previous three editions?
- 2016-17 (Played in India) – India won
- 2018-19 (Played in Australia) – India won
- 2020-21 (Played in Australia) – India won
Full Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk).
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscombe, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Lance Morris, Mitchell Swepson, Todd Murphy, Josh Hazlewood (unavailable), Cameron Green (unavailable), Mitchell Starc (from 2nd Test).