1st Test Match: Aussies' has an edge over India

 As against the norm of predicting for the whole series, we would want to predict for the 1st match separately, given that the outcome of the first match will depend on certain individuals and hence the series.

Cricket has been a mind game for a very long time and the aggressive intend has been taught to us by Australians. With Kohli confirmed to lead the side, Indians will just show their aggressive intent.

On paper, it is very clear that it will be Indian batters Vs Aussie bowlers. Though, the 1^st two hours of play will determine the outcome of this match I feel that Aussies will have an edge over the Indians,  

(a) The return of a strong and an aggressive leader in Clarke to captain the side

(b) The absence of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for the 1^st two test matches and India’s bowling weakness continues

© The bowling unit of Aussies is far more superior and experienced.

(d) They would like to win this series as a tribute to Hughes – their emotions will be certainly running high.

The batting also looks complete with Chris Rogers, David Warner,  Shane Watson, Michael Clarke and  Steven Smith. I would ideally have expected George Bailey to make his debut in the place of Mitchell Marsh. To me, Marsh should be more successful in the 50-over format to be selected in a Test side. Probably, Aussies are looking for a long-term prospect.

However, the inclusion of Haddin ahead of Wade is still baffling me - he has been out of form in the recently concluded test series with both bat and behind the stumps.

The Indian team will look more aggressive with Kohli leading from the front. There has to be a final call to Shikar dhawan at Test cricket. He cannot be picked for sub continent pitches alone. He has not played well on those 2 tour games and to me,  Rahane should take his spot opening with Murali Vijay. Though with Shashtri’s presence, India will look to have Raina in the middle to strengthen the batting, I am sure there will be discussion about having Jadeja to be fill-in on the allrounder’s slot. Aussies always find it difficult to counter a wrist spinner. Also, Karn Sharma, with his performance on the 2 tour games, should get the nod ahead of Ashwin.

But, if India chooses Dhawan and Ashwin in the playing XI, then Indian Management are risking themselves to save this match.

My Playing XI (India): Murali Vijay, Rahane, Pujara, Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina/Jadeja, Saha, KV Sharma, Md Shami, Ishant Sharma, Arun Varora.