Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell opined that batting icons Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara will have to establish ‘mental superiority’ over one of Australia’s finest bowlers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rallying behind the Baggy Greens ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 between Australia and hosts India, former Australian skipper Ian Chappell strongly believes that the visitors will fancy their chances of outplaying the mighty Indian side in their backyard. Despite missing the services of ex-skipper Virat Kohli, an injury-ridden Indian side starring Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara had outclassed Australia in the Test series decider at The Gabba to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during the 2020-2021 season.
With Australia gearing up for one of its biggest overseas challenges in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship, Chappell feels that India will have an edge over the visitors if the hosts can keep Steve Smith and Nathon Lyon quiet in the Test series.
Superstar Smith is the only current Australian in the squad to average more than 30 against the Rohit Sharma-led side in India. Lyon, who played seven friendly matches in India, averaged 30.58 against the Asian giants. The veteran Australian spinner has taken 34 wickets for India.
“One of the main tasks for Indian players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara is to establish a mental edge against Lyon. Unless you can expect to be billed, Australian bowling will be heavily dependent on the ‘Big Three’,” Chappell wrote in his ESPNCricinfo column.
Chappell also said Rohit’s side were strong and it was “nearly impossible” to win at home. India, runners-up in the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship, lost to England in the home series in 2012 (2-1). “The Indian bowlers’ main task is to find ways to silence the scoring smiths. If India can curb the success of Smith and Lyon, they will be on their way to victory,” Chappell said. added.
Australia will make his four tests with hosts India in the 2023 edition of Borders Gavaskar his Trophy. The series opener will take place on 9 February at the Vidharba Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Team India, led by Rohit, will also compete in the One Day International (ODI) series of three games against Australia in the World Cup year.