India have never won a Test series in Australia, and their last win Down Under in the five-day format came way back during the 2007-08 series. However, as the two teams prepare to clash in a four-match Test rubber starting 6 December, some are opining that this could be India’s best chance at scripting history and defeating the Aussies in their homeland. Others however, believe that Virat and co will once again fail at bringing home the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Ahead of the much-awaited series that kicks off with the series opener at Adelaide, here’s a look at what former cricketers from both countries think about India’s chances of winning.
India Should Win 3-0: Sunil Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar predicated that India will be on the winning side, with one of the four Tests ending in a draw.
“India should win this series and by a 3-0 margin. Melbourne Test may end up in a draw because of rain and that’s what I feel. Surely, this is Australia’s weakest batting line-up that I have seen as it lacks experience. Aaron Finch was recently batting at the fifth position for Victoria, so it will be difficult for him to adjust to opening position suddenly. The other opener Marcus Harris would be nervous playing his first Test and then Usman Khawaja is coming back from an injury. So it will be tough for them”Sunil Gavaskar to India Today
Anil Kumble Predicts India’s Victory
Ex-coach and former skipper of the Indian cricket team Anil Kumble, too, believes one match will end in a draw, while vouching for the series ending 2-1 in India’s favour.
“I think whether Australia has a full playing XI or not, the potential that the current team has certainly makes this their best opportunity to win a series in Australia. They missed out in South Africa and England but this is a great opportunity to beat Australia in Australia.”Anil Kumble to News18
VVS Laxman Votes for India Too
Another veteran cricketer who backed India to bag the series was VVS Laxman. Unlike Gavaskar and Kumble, the 44-year-old does not think that any of the five-day games will end without a result.
“I expect the series to close 3-1 in India’s favour. I don’t see any draws in Australian conditions. I don’t think India would have a better opportunity. And I am not saying so because there is no Steve Smith and Dave Warner. I am saying this because they have the potential. I got it totally wrong in England when I thought India will win 4-1. But I think they have the ability.”VVS Laxman to AajTak
Australia Will Win 2-1: Allan Border
Former Australia captain Allan Border, however, held a different view. He thinks the Aussies will retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy this time around too.
“It’s India’s best chance for a long time because we have got some vulnerability on the batting side of the equation. I still think we can get there. I’m going to say 2-1 to us.”Allan Border to foxsports.com.au
“Kohli’s the key for India and I think he’s going to be the highest run-scorer from either side. If he isn’t then Australia is going to win,” Border said.
Michael Hussey Backs Aussies Too
Another former Australian cricketer who has backed his country to win the Test series against India, is Michael Hussey.
“India played some very good cricket in the UK, have a good bowling attack and will play Lyon much better than England did last summer, but I think Australia can win,” Hussey said. “The Australian team has been through the worst of the turmoil and will now look forward to the cricket and will be fiercely determined to play well and in the right spirit to gain some respect back from the cricket community.”Michael Hussey to foxsports.com.au
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