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BGT 2024-25: 4 Australian Players India Need To Be Wary Of During 1st Test In Perth

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc [Source: @cricketcomau,@Test_Batsman/x.com]Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc [Source: @cricketcomau,@Test_Batsman/x.com]

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After a dismal performance in the home Test against New Zealand, India’s next red-ball assignment will be against Australia in their backyard. This will be a key series for both teams in many ways.

India will be looking to bounce back and be on the front foot from the first Test. They must win four matches in Australia to ensure their qualification into the WTC final. On the other hand, the Aussies will be looking to avenge the home series defeats from the last two India tours. Pat Cummins and his men will also have the WTC final scenario in their heads, and one can expect them to go hard at the visitors.

While the Indians' test will be tough, some players will make life even more difficult for them.

Here are three Australian players who will be the biggest threats to India in the first Test at the Perth Stadium.

4. Marnus Labuschagne

The Australian middle-order batter is known for his grittiness and determination. Marnus Labuschagne can tire the best bowling lineups with his patience and ability to play big knocks. India will have to be particularly wary of him because Labuschagne has a brilliant record at the Perth Stadium.

The Australian batter has played three Test matches at this venue and has scored 519 runs in six innings. Labuschagne averages 103.80 here and has scored three centuries and a half-century. These are unrealistic numbers, but they show how much he enjoys the surface. So, there is a high chance that he will play a prime role in taking down India at this venue.

3. Steve Smith

The modern great from Australia is one of their prime stays in batting, especially in the longest format of the game. Steve Smith’s wicket is always very important to the opposition, irrespective of his form. Even though his recent batting form has not been great, Smith’s record at the Perth Stadium is something to be scared off.

Smith has played three Test matches at the Perth Stadium. In the six innings that he has batted in, he has scored 355 runs at an average of 88.75, with the highest score being 200*. India will have to be proactive in dismissing Smith and stretching his lean phase with the bat, or else he can hurt them big during the first Test. 

2. Mitchell Starc

For starters, the pitch curator at Perth Stadium has already stated that the surface will be fast and bouncy. This automatically brings Mitchell Starc into the game. A look at his record confirms that Starc will be one of the main cogs in the Australian plan. 

The left-arm pacer has played four Test matches at the Perth Stadium. In these matches, he has picked up 23 wickets at an average of 19 and a strike rate of 39.65. The fact that he concedes only 19 runs and takes about seven overs to pick up a wicket at this venue will definitely give headaches to the Indian batters.

1. Nathan Lyon

On a fast and bouncy track, counting in a spinner might seem a bit odd. However, a look at his numbers at the Perth Stadium will answer all the questions. In four matches at the venue, Nathan Lyon has picked up 27 wickets at an average of 18 and a striker rate of 41.67. So, he picks up a wicket every seven overs while conceding only 18 runs. This shows his effectiveness on the Perth Surface. 

Nathan Lyon, being an old-school off-spinner, might have enjoyed the bounce he gets from the surface. Towards the end of a Test match, the extra bite that he might generate as a result of his action will make him a dangerous customer for India.