Ricky Ponting feels India will struggle in Australia
The Indian batting line-up was not up to the mark in the away Test series against South Africa and England this year. Out of 8 Test matches, the Virat Kohli-led side could manage just two wins. Another big test awaits them in 2018-19 when the side travels to Australia. Former Aussie legend, Ricky Ponting feels that India will find it difficult 'Down Under'.
Swing and seam could make life difficult for India
Ponting told Cricket Australia, "if the ball does swing around a lot or seam around a lot then I think India will find it difficult in Australia." The former Aussie captain gave an example of India's struggles in England and added, "I think any time we saw India struggle through the England series was when the ball moved." India will once again be tested.
Aussie pacers will challenge Indian batsmen regularly
Like the Proteas and the Englishmen, the Aussie pacers are world class. The likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are excellent and really quick. Australia will have bouncy pitches and the three bowlers are solid with the short ball. Ponting joined former Aussie cricketer Ian Chappell in revealing India's issues with the bat in overseas conditions.
India's woes have been aplenty outside the subcontinent
India will need to apply themselves and learn from their outings in South Africa and England. Often from positions of authority, India surrendered impetus. Further, the senior batsmen haven't delivered consistent performances. The team has been over reliant on skipper Virat Kohli. If similar issues crop up, then India will be in for more struggles. India need to bat wisely to stay afloat.
Aussie bowlers were terrific in the 2017-18 Ashes
The trio of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins shared 66 wickets between them in the 2017-18 Ashes. Cummins topped the charts with 23 scalps. They punished England with some stupendous accuracy and pace. Lyon picked 21 wickets, as well. India struggled against Moeen Ali, in particular, in the series against England. This gives an indication that Lyon can trouble Indians.
India's tour of Australia Test schedule
India play four Test matches against Australia starting December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. The second Test is from December 14-18 at Perth. MCG will be hosting the Boxing Day Test. The fourth and final match will be at the SCG from January 4 onwards.
