IND vs AUS, 2nd Test: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips
India won the first Test convincingly [Source: AP]
After an embarrassing defeat in the first Test in Nagpur, Australia will take on hosts India in the second fixture of the series starting Friday in Delhi.
This will be a must-win game for the Aussies, as a loss here will further dent their chances of reclaiming the coveted Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Team Preview: India
- Strengths: A solid opener in Rohit Sharma, A brilliant set of spin all-rounders in R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, a formidable bowling attack
- Concerns: Batting form of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul
Team India in action [Source: AP]
As expected earlier, India outclassed their opponents on both batting and bowling fronts in the first Test in Nagpur.
While skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a gritty century, vital contributions from all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel proved to be a striking difference between the two sides.
Also, hiring Ravichandran Ashwin's bowling clone couldn't help the visitors, as the wily spinner ran riot to bundle them out for a paltry 91 in the second innings.
Furthermore, the return of Shreyas Iyer has certainly boosted the Indian batting. So, if anything, India would like better returns from their stalwarts Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in this face-off.
Team Preview: Australia
- Strengths: Two tremendous batters in Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, a good spin unit comprising Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy
- Concerns: Vulnerable top two and middle-order, Inconsistent pace battery
David Warner had an ordinary outing in Nagpur [Source: Twitter]
Todd Murphy's seven-wicket haul and Marnus Labuschagne's gritty fifty in the first innings were the only shining lights for Australia in the Nagpur Test.
Although the legendary Steve Smith stood up to the Indian challenge with the utmost bravery, he lacked support at the other end, as the visitors succumbed to a demoralising defeat.
They were sub-par with the ball as well, failing to clean up the Indian tail, which frustrated them to the core, powering India to 400 in their first innings.
So, moving on to this clash, the Aussies would like to bring their A-game, with both bat and ball, to at least give the home side a run for their money.
Match Details
Date and Time: February 17, 9.30 AM IST
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Pitch Report: The surface in Delhi will be on the drier side, having significant help for the spinners. Some emerging pictures of the deck have suggested a tinge of green in the middle area, which will keep it intact throughout the game. Batting will be tougher with the bounce getting lower with time. So, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first.
Predicted XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
Australia: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb/Cameron Green (If fit), Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Alex Carey
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara/Shreyas Iyer, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith
All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Ravichandran Aswhin, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy
Captain: Ravindra Jadeja
Vice Captain: Ravichandran Ashwin
For the detailed fantasy analysis, click here.
Prediction
Considering India's home dominance, we reckon they will emerge victorious and gain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
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