#IndiaInAustralia: This is what Buchanan feels about Kohli & Co.
Former Australian World Cup winning coach, John Buchanan, has revealed the factor that could determine India's performance in the upcoming Test series against Australia. India and Australia face each other in a gruelling four-match Test series, which starts in Adelaide from December 6. Buchanan feels that the Indian opening combination could make or break the series for Men in Blue. Here's more.
India facing issues in batting atop
India haven't been able to find a match-winning opening combination. This year, we have seen at least 4 combinations being tried out yet none has proved effective. Shikhar Dhawan was dropped post the England series. KL Rahul has struggled massively. Murali Vijay was dropped as well. He was recalled for this tour. Only two-Test-old Prithvi Shaw looked solid, but he injured himself earlier today.
India would hope Rahul and Vijay can lay a foundation
With Shaw ruled out of the first Test, India will most likely field Rahul and Vijay as openers. Both have been woeful, away from home, this year and they couldn't deliver a single match-winning performance in South Africa and England. India need both these players to battle past poor form and score runs. But it will not be easy against a powerful Aussie attack.
'India's opening combination has been somewhat looked unsettled'
In an interview, former Aussie coach Buchanan revealed that key to India's success will be the opening batting combination. He highlighted the issues India have faced this term. "They need to withstand the Australian pace bowling attack. The opening combination has been somewhat looked unsettled over the last number of series for India so they need to look at stabilizing that," he said.
India need to prepare well: Buchanan
Buchanan also added that India need to ensure they are well prepared coming into the Tests. "India have got the talent in the side to win a Test series, there is no doubt about that. But what they need to do is ensure that they are best prepared, so that when they play the first and second Tests, they are in a strong position."
Vijay, Rahul's away stats in 2018 look scary
Can Rahul and Vijay withstand the Aussie attack? Stats tell a scary story. Rahul was dismissed for three runs in the tour match against Cricket Australia XI. Rahul averages 23.50 in 7 Tests, away from home, this year. Vijay's performance has been dismal as well, with him averaging 12.80 in Tests played overseas in 2018. Let's hope they deliver a better performance Down Under.
