Australia

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 : Australia vs India 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : November 22,​ Friday𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 07:50 AM IST​​ 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 : Perth Stadium, Burswood, Australia 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 :​​ 1st Test 2024 ​ Australia have never lost a Test match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Australia vs India TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. AUS vs IND Match Prediction & Analysis After a crushing 3-0 defeat to New Zealand at home, India now face the daunting challenge of a five-match Test series in Australia. With their spot in the WTC final in jeopardy following the loss, the pressure will be on India for a turnaround. On the other hand, Australia will be eager to reclaim pride after losing the last two home Test series to India. The action begins in Perth, known for its fast and bouncy surface. Considering India’s current form and Australia’s stronghold at home, the hosts are tipped to have the upper hand in the series opener. TEAMS PREVIEW Australia Preview Australia are a formidable force on home soil, and their squad is well-equipped to challenge India in these conditions.  Debutant Nathan McSweeney, who boasts a strong first-class average of 42.25 over the past two years, is set to open the innings alongside the experienced Usman Khawaja. In the middle order, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith may have been short on consistency recently, but their reputation as world-class batters, particularly against India, makes them key players in the series. Labuschagne, particularly, loves batting on this ground and averages over a 100 here per match.  India Preview India head into the first Test against Australia with injury setbacks and a reshuffled lineup. Regular captain Rohit Sharma’s absence sees Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as skipper.  KL Rahul is expected to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in Rohit’s absence. With Shubman Gill out injured from the first Test due to a thumb injury,  Devdutt Padikkal is likely to be the No. 3. With Jaiswal and Padikkal having never played a Test in Australia, the onus will be on the senior pros, Rahul and Virat Kohli, to do the bulk of the scoring. But both of them are out of form. In fact, Kohli averages only 23 in 6 Tests in 2024. Weather Conditions The pitch at Perth 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. Bowlers will also see good seam movement, particularly when the new ball is in play. As the Kookaburra ball wears down, scoring runs may become a bit easier for the batters. Nonetheless, seam bowlers will remain impactful throughout the five days, while spinners like Nathan Lyon, known for their overspin, will find success at this ground. The weather in Perth will be sunny and pleasant throughout the five days of the Test. It will be breezy in the afternoon, which should help the seamers. AUS vs IND Pitch Report The average score batting first at the Optus Stadium in Perth is 457 across four Tests. The highest total posted at the venue is Australia’s 598-4 dec versus West Indies in 2022. They won that match by 164 runs. We are expecting a spicy wicket this time, so a score of around 300-350 runs by the team batting first will keep them in a strong position in the match. Toss: To Bat 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.