IND vs AUS: Five players who could attain multiple milestones in the series


image-ldsiwt7oSteve Smith can break multiple records [Source: Twitter]

To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, India and Australia are set to clash in a four-match Test series starting this Thursday. 

There will be plenty of nerve-wracking moments witnessed in the series. Added to that, multiple milestones will be made by players from both sides. 

So, as the teams gear up for a riveting battle, let's list five players who could attain multiple landmarks in this series. 


Steve Smith

Steve Smith has enjoyed stellar success against India, amassing 1742 runs at an outstanding average of 72.58. The talismanic batter is on the verge of breaking multiple milestones in this series. 

Notably, Smith is only one hundred away from getting past Ricky Ponting's tally (8 centuries) for the most Test tons for Australia against India. Additionally, if Smith hits two tons, he will overtake Joe Root (9 tons) to record the most centuries against India in Test cricket. 

Furthermore, the veteran batter needs 367 runs to go past Matthew Hayden (1027 runs) and become the highest run-scorer for Australia against India in India. 


Cheteshwar Pujara

image-ldsiy509Cheteshwar Pujara in action [Source: Twitter]

Indian batting maestro Cheteshwar Pujara has been a striking difference between the two teams in the last three series, frustrating the Australian bowlers with his grit and determination. 

Notably, Pujara (1893 runs) needs 250 runs to get past Rahul Dravid (2143 runs) to become the third-highest scorer for India against Australia in Tests. 

He also needs 299 more to surpass VVS Laxman's tally of 1198 runs and become the second-highest scorer for India versus Australia on home soil. 


Ravichandran Ashwin

image-ldsizex2R Ashwin will play a key role for India [Source: Twitter]

All eyes will be on Ravichandran Ashwin, as he has the reputation of bamboozling visiting batters time and again at home. 

Interestingly, the wily spinner requires 23 wickets to get past Kumble (111 wickets) and become the most successful Indian bowler against Australia in Test cricket. Also, he needs only two scalps to register the second-most wickets for India against Australia at home. 


Josh Hazlewood

In a significant setback for Australia, ace seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the first Test in Nagpur due to injury. 

However, if he comes back and takes two wickets, he will set the record for the most wickets by an Australian pacer against India in Tests, surpassing Brett Lee's tally of 53 wickets. 


Nathan Lyon

image-ldsj0936Nathan Lyon will be key to Australia's success [Source: Twitter]

The veteran spinner is expected to emerge as Australia's trump card with the ball in this series. Notably, Lyon has 94 wickets to his name against India, and therefore, he needs only six scalps to enter the 100-wicket landmark versus India. 

Also, if Lyon picks 12 wickets, he will surpass Muttiah Muralitharan (105 wickets) to record the most wickets as a spinner against India in Test cricket. 


Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin is very skillful, has some tricky variations: Usman Khawaja