AUS vs IND 1st Test Match Preview

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Match Details

• Match Name: Australia vs India
• Date: 22 November 2024
• Location: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Type: Test Match

Prediction

The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to begin on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Australia, led by Pat Cummins, will look to break their winless streak against India in recent years, while India, under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, aims to continue their dominance over the Australians.

Top Batters

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): Expected to be the top batter for India, Jaiswal has already shown his ability to thrive under pressure. His aggressive yet calculated approach could set the tone for India's innings.
• Steve Smith (Australia): Expected to be the top batter for Australia, Smith returns to his preferred No. 4 position after an unsuccessful stint at the top. His remarkable consistency against India, averaging 65, and a superb record at Optus Stadium, averaging 88, make him a vital cog in Australia's middle order.

Top Bowlers

• Jasprit Bumrah (India): Expected to be the top bowler for India, Bumrah will shoulder the responsibility of leading the side in Rohit Sharma's absence. Known for his sharp tactical acumen and ability to deliver in crunch moments, Bumrah's leadership and world-class bowling will be pivotal in challenging Australian batters on the pace-friendly Perth pitch.
• Pat Cummins (Australia): Expected to be the top bowler for Australia, Cummins has an impressive record against India with 50 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 26.18. He is also highly successful at Optus Stadium, with 12 wickets in four Tests at an average of 20.16.

Team Form

• Australia: Coming from a T20I series win against Pakistan at home, Australia will look to carry their momentum into the Test series. They have made a few changes to their lineup, with Nathan McSweeney set to open the innings and Steve Smith returning to his preferred No. 4 position.
• India: Coming from a series loss against New Zealand, India will look to bounce back in the Test series. They have been dealt with a few injuries, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set to miss the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in Rohit's absence.

Head-to-Head Record

• Australia vs India: 107 Tests, Australia leading 4532

Pitch Report

• The pitch at Optus Stadium is likely to have a thick grass coverage that will benefit fast bowlers in the first Test. It should provide good pace and extra bounce to trouble batsmen from both sides.

Weather Conditions

• The weather forecast for the first Test is expected to be sunny with a high of 25°C and a low of 12°C.

Toss

• All four Tests played at the Optus Stadium in Perth have been won by the team that batted first. Thus, it's almost certain that both captains will look to bat first here.

Prediction

Australia is favored to win the first Test and make it 10. Considering India's current form and Australia's stronghold at home, the hosts are tipped to have the upper hand in the series opener. However, India has a strong lineup and a good record in Australia, so they cannot be written off.

Australia Predicted Playing XI:

1. Nathan McSweeney
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Mitchell Marsh
7. Alex Carey
8. Pat Cummins (C)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood

India Predicted Playing XI:

1. KL Rahul
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Devdutt Padikkal
4. Virat Kohli
5. Rishabh Pant (WK)
6. Dhruv Jurel
7. Nitish Kumar Reddy
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Jasprit Bumrah (C)
10. Prasidh Krishna
11. Mohammed Siraj

Australia vs India Odds

| | Australia | India |
| | | |
| Sportsbet | $1.39 | $3.60 |
| Bet365 | $1.40 | $3.75 |
| Ladbrokes | $1.40 | $3.35 |
| TAB | $1.42 | $3.60 |