New Delhi [India], November 16 – For the first time, India will play a five-match Test series in Australia, featuring games across the country’s iconic stadiums. The series brings together World Test Champions Australia and a determined Indian side looking to bounce back from a rare home Test series whitewash (0-3) against New Zealand after 12 years.
This series will not only be a test of endurance and skill but also a battle for redemption and supremacy. Here’s an analysis of what to expect at each venue based on the last six seasons.
1. Optus Stadium, Perth
Overview: The series opener marks a shift from tradition, starting in Perth instead of Brisbane. A modern alternative to the WACA, the Optus Stadium is fast becoming Australia’s new fortress, with four wins in four Tests since its debut in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
- Batting: Marnus Labuschagne leads with 519 runs at an astounding average of 103.80.
- Bowling: Spinner Nathan Lyon thrives here with 27 wickets at 18.00.
- Conditions: Pace-friendly with bounce aiding spinners; the first innings average is 456.
- Key Note: Australia’s formula of building big first innings totals and piling on the lead remains effective.
2. Adelaide Oval
Overview: The second Test, a day-night affair, will be played under lights. This is the venue where India recorded their lowest-ever Test score (36) in the 2020-21 series.
- Batting: Labuschagne dominates with 574 runs at 71.75.
- Bowling: Mitchell Starc is lethal with 30 wickets at 17.20 in pink-ball Tests.
- Conditions: Night sessions are the most challenging, with a batting average of 26.84. The first innings average score is 375.
- Key Note: Australia’s unbeaten record in pink-ball Tests at Adelaide adds to their advantage.
3. The Gabba, Brisbane
Overview: Once a fortress for Australia, the Gabba has seen two defeats in three years—by India in 2021 and West Indies in 2023. Known for its pace-friendly surface, it offers uneven bounce, especially on grassy pitches.
- Batting: Labuschagne again leads with 497 runs at 62.12.
- Bowling: Pat Cummins has taken 36 wickets here at 17.25.
- Conditions: Pacers enjoy an average of 23.88, with the first innings average standing at 227.
- Key Note: With redevelopment plans ahead of the 2032 Olympics, this iconic venue’s future in hosting Tests hangs in the balance.
4. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Overview: The Boxing Day Test will be played at the MCG, where India have won their last two matches, in 2018-19 and 2020-21. The ground has transformed into a pace-friendly venue in recent years.
- Batting: David Warner is the top scorer with 361 runs at 60.16.
- Bowling: Cummins continues his dominance with 31 wickets at 15.41.
- Conditions: The first innings average is 299; pacers enjoy an average of 24.50.
- Key Note: The toss holds minimal significance, with equal success rates for teams batting first and second.
5. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Overview: Known for assisting spinners in the past, SCG has seen a decline in spin dominance in recent years. Pacers have performed better, but the ground remains challenging for bowlers overall.
- Batting: Labuschagne shines again with 734 runs at 81.55.
- Bowling: Nathan Lyon has taken 26 wickets at 32.42.
- Conditions: The first innings average is 436, making it one of the highest-scoring venues.
- Key Note: With four draws in six Tests since 2018-19, SCG is often a batters’ paradise.
Series Overview
India must win the series 4-0 to secure a direct spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in London for the third consecutive time.
Fixture Schedule:
- First Test: Optus Stadium, Perth – November 22 to 26
- Second Test: Adelaide Oval (Day-Night) – December 6 to 10
- Third Test: The Gabba, Brisbane – December 14 to 18
- Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test) – December 26 to 30
- Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground – January 3 to 7
India Squad:
Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.
Australia Squad (First Test):
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
