AUS Vs IND 1st Test Preview | Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

Border-Gavaskar Trophy to begin with Perth Test on November 22 [Source: @ICC/X.com]

The much awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy is moments away as India and Australia are scheduled to clash in the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. The high-voltage matchup will begin on November 22 from 7.50 AM IST. Both sides are expected to put their best foot forward as WTC 2025 final qualification is at stake.

AUS vs IND 1st Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

AUS vs IND 1st Test: Australia eyes BGT revenge

Australia, despite being a lethal force at home, flunked against an injury-riddled India in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Series. In fact, they are yet to win the prestigious trophy since 2016. Hence, a fire of revenge is certainly burning in the Aussie dressing room. Heading into the Perth Test, Australia has curated a pitch that suits them, i.e., pacey and bouncy with tons of grass.

While Cameron Green is injured, Nathan McSweeney is expected to make his debut. Smith and Labuschagne will also be a threat, given their phenomenal record at home. Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins will spearhead the pace department, and this trio will essentially be difference makers. Overall, Australia are favourites owing to their perfect win record at the Perth Stadium.

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AUS vs IND 1st Test: India seeks redemption

India is not only under pressure to defend the BGT title but also qualify for the WTC 2025 finals. Coming from a whitewash defeat at home, the spirit is low in the visitors dressing room. Moreover, the absence of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has further dented their odds to win. Regardless, skipper Jasprit Bumrah and head coach Gautam Gambhir are embracing the challenge head on.

Youth will be in focus as Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Reddy, and Nitish Rana are in line for a call-up. Virat Kohli, who mastered the art of scoring runs in Australia, will be under the spotlight in what could be a farewell series for him.

KL Rahul is likely to open and given his recent struggles, expectations will be low. Moreover, the Perth pitch will test the true character of Indian batters. The practice game wasn't promising, and hence, the visitors are in for some trouble in the opening game of the Border-Gavaskar Series.

AUS vs IND 1st Test: Perth Stadium Pitch Report

Perth pitch will be a classic Australian surface with tons of grass. As per the images released, the ball will carry good bounce, and under overcast conditions, pacers will gain significant lateral movement. Spinners will have too little help until the ball gets slightly old.

The margin of error is low for batters against bowlers with precision. Moreover, the average first inning total is 456, with anything around 150 a chasable target in 4th inning. Hence, toss will play a key role. Irrespective of the conditions, batting first should be a no-brainer choice for both captains to avoid batting last.

AUS vs IND 1st Test: Key Players & Stats

• Virat Kohli: 259 runs, 1 hundred in 2 games at Perth ; Average: 64.75; SR: 50.38
• Marnus Labuschagne: 519 runs, 1 double hundred, 2 hundred in 3 games at Perth; Average: 103.80; SR: 62.99
• Jasprit Bumrah: 32 wickets in 7 games in Australia; Average: 21.25; Economy: 2.47
• Steve Smith: 2042 runs, 9 hundreds vs India;  Average: 65.87; SR: 52.50
• Mitchell Starc: 23 wickets in 4 games at Perth: Average: 19.00; Economy: 2.88
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 1119 runs, 2 hundreds in 11 games; Average: 55.95; SR: 76.64
• Australia never lost a Test match at Perth Stadium; 4 wins in 4  games from 2018-2023

AUS vs IND 1st Test: Probable Playing XIs

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (c). 

AUS vs IND 1st Test: Winner Prediction

Australia's win percentage is exceptional at Perth Stadium. Moreover, after comparing both squads and gauging their pace bowling strength, it's safe to say Australia will win this Test and take a 1-0 lead in the 5-game series.

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