After all the head games and preparation, we are just a few hours away from the first Test between India and Australia at the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Nagpur. This series is crucial for the hosts as they have to win at least two Tests to stay in the race and qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final.
Australia, on the other hand, will also be confident after beating Pakistan away from home in a Test series last year. They made some special preparations for the series and the stage seems to be set for what could be one of the closest series in recent memory.
With world-class players having met numerous times on both sides, it’s only natural that there are some matchups to pay attention to. On that note, let’s take a look at three such matchups that could go a long way in deciding the winner of the first test in Nagpur.
#3 Steve Smith vs. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ahead of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Down Under Trophy, many had doubts about how Ravichandran Ashwin would fare on pitches that didn’t offer much spin. However, the offline veteran showed the class of him by turning one of the greatest Test hitters of all time in Steve Smith into his bunny.
Using the infamous ‘leg trap’, Ashwin dominated Smith on the pitch and repeatedly tested him mentally. The Australian scored a hundred in the Sydney Test, but it was his rather calm run that played a huge part in India’s trophy victory.
The star batsman has claimed that Australia have some plans up their sleeves to work with Ashwin. However, for someone who has dismissed Smith six times in the Tests, Ashwin will be sure to dominate the batsman at home.
#2 Rohit Sharma vs. Pat Cummins
The outcome of the series could also hinge heavily on what happens in the showdown between captains Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins. The sprinter dismissed Rohit twice last time India traveled to Australia and that will give him a lot of confidence.
However, Rohit has been one of India’s best test batsmen ever since he started batting opener. He won’t shy away from playing a counter punch up front if necessary.
This could create plenty of runs for the Indian captain, but would also keep the Australian captain in a chance of taking the big wicket.
#1 Virat Kohli vs. Nathan Lyon
Arguably the biggest player battle fans in both countries are looking forward to is the one between former captain Virat Kohli and Nathan Lyon. One of the biggest finger-spinners ever produced by Australia, Lyon have dismissed Kohli seven times in Tests.
Kohli’s recent issues against end effects, especially out of effect, are well documented. However, the star batsman also averaged 58.6 against Lyon, which is the most for any active Indian cricketer.
This makes the battle all the more interesting, especially if the reports that the Nagpur camp was a rank change are true.