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IND vs AUS 2023 | Justin Langer believes Pat Cummins and co. can upstage India in India


image-lcvrj8fvPat Cummins with Justin Langer (Twitter)

Cricket Australia have announced a strong 18-player squad for next month’s India trip. The tour, comprising four high-profile Tests, forms a final chapter for both sides prior to the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship final.

Former Australian coach Justin Langer has said that while playing Test cricket in India is tough, the current Australian unit commanded by Pat Cummins is equipped enough to win a series here.

Langer says Australia have a well-balanced Test team

Langer believes Australia have a well-balanced Test side who possess a good chance of defeating India at their fortress. He praised the experienced batting order, which includes the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and in-form Usman Khawaja.

The former opener also lavished praise on their bowling attack, helmed by captain Pat Cummins.

The current team recently flayed the South Africans at home. Moreover, last year, they won a historic Test trip to Pakistan and drew level a two-match challenge in Sri Lanka.

Basking on the glory of team’s recent string of success, he claimed Cummins and co. might well replicate what Adam Gilchrist’s pantheons achieved in India back in 2004. Notably, Langer himself was part of that victorious Australian unit, which remains their only series win in India since Bill Lawry’s troops achieved the same in 1969.

Speaking about his 2004 experience and the prospects of the current team, he said:

“It was a very balanced and confident team. The current team are winning and I think they're a huge chance to beat India. That was my Mt Everest tour. I always said I wanted to be able to do it again because it was so hard to do.”

“Australia have two senior pros at the top. They've got No.3 and No.4, averaging 60 and they're best mates. They're hungry and they play spin well. You've got the best fast bowling attack in the world and you've got the best spinner in the world. My gosh, they have an incredibly well-balanced team.”

Australia's tour of India commences from February 9, with the first Test taking place in Nagpur.


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