India vs Australia: Veteran Aussie Pacer Predicts Australia to Dominate India in Border-Gavaskar Opener
Former Australian pacer Brendon Julian has confidently predicted a dominant Australian win in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, expecting Cummins' side to defeat India within four days at Perth. Julian, who played for Australia in the 90’s, believes India will face too many issues, following their current form, making Australia the clear favourite.
India’s challenges are significant: star batter Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the match, with Jasprit Bumrah likely stepping in as captain of this high-voltage encounter. Julian sees Bumrah’s leadership as a potential obstacle for India, further weakened by the absence of Mohammed Shami, who remains in India for Ranji Trophy duties and injury problems. He also highlighted Virat Kohli’s struggle with form; Kohli had a disappointing series against New Zealand, scoring fewer than 100 runs in six innings. Julian speculates that Kohli’s rapport with India’s leadership may not be entirely harmonious. He said,
The Aussies will clean up India in 4 days. There are worrying signs for India, straight at the top. Rohit Sharma is not playing the first Test; he has come out and said that. So Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side. Now that’s a lot of pressure when you’re the opening bowler. He is a wonderful bowler; no doubt about that………..Kohli is not at his best. He is not gelling with the captain probably and the coach but having said that, he can quickly turn it around. But if they start pulling in Perth, I reckon it’ll be all over.
Despite these concerns, Kohli has a strong record against Australia and has been preparing intensively at the WACA. Julian acknowledges that the conditions might favour Kohli’s style but sees Australian spinner Nathan Lyon as a big threat against India. While he allows for the possibility of India pushing back, Julian is convinced Australia will lead 1-0 after Perth.
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