Kohli's debut as test captain down under

Virat Kohli will be leading India down under

A lot is being talked about the much awaited tour of India down under. The series will start with the Test matches, followed by the ODIs and as soon as the series gets over, the big one, 2015 world cup will begin. Will the young boys cope with the bouncy tracks, hostile conditions and tough competition or buckle and stutter like they did against England?

It’s going to be a long stay in Australia for the Indians and the key to their success will be how soon they begin to feel at home. If form is anything to go by, then the Aussies are not going to make this a cake walk. After winning the series against South Africa and gaining the number 1 spot in the ODI rankings, Michael Clarke and his men look in no mood to play it easy. The Indians too, after victories at home against the West Indians and Sri Lankans, are high on confidence but to emerge on the winning side against the Aussies on their home turf is no child's play. They will have to raise their game by a lot of notches.

The first test match at Brisbane will set the tone of the series and in more ways than one. With Virat Kohli at the helm for India and the uncertainty of Clarke leading in this particular game, the manner of play and captaincy will be different than usual at both ends. Going into the series a zealous Kohli has promised a lot of aggression and positivity. “Mental preparation is more important" is what he was quoted saying.

Will temperamental Kohli be an able replacement for Dhoni?

Virat’s thoughts do seem to be moving in the right direction but will his young boys translate belief into performance? Kohli has been Dhoni's deputy for a long time now and has surely learned tricks from the captain’s book. He will definitely try to incorporate Mahendra Singh Dhoni's strategies in his moves and maneuvers, but his natural aggressive self is bound to come forth while out their on the field.

This might actually benefit India as it’ll raise their aggression levels to match that of the Aussies. A different approach, a new thought process will augur well for the Indians. Whether he can channel this and guide his boys, only time will tell. The Aussies will also play with a new-look side. Inclusion of Josh Hazelwood after his promising performance against the proteas got him a spot in the team. Completely new, he is likely to pose problems for the formidable Indian batting line up.

Although the absence of stalwarts such as Mitchell Starc and Maxwell has presented new talent an opportunity to don the baggy green cap, their experience would have proved a handful in difficult situations. The W power of Watson and Warner at the opening is likely to determine the course of the Australian innings, especially if Clarke does not come along the fitness levels in the practice match.

The practice match gave hope, but Australia will be ready for India

The Indian bowlers have started off in a decent fashion by wrapping up the Australia A innings for 219 but when it comes down to the grind a lot will depend on how Kohli leads his boys. His captaincy, his batting, his ability to absorb pressure and reaction to it will also be tested. If he passes with flying colours, Indian fans can expect a good show, otherwise it will be tough for Dhoni to pull it back from the second test.

Apart from his leadership, Dhoni’s wicket keeping skills will also be dearly missed. Without a doubt he is an excellent keeper and Wriddhiman Saha has some extra ordinary shoes to fill. 5 wickets behind the stumps in the practice match has been a good start to the season and for India to do well, he must carry this good form in the first test match.

Neither team has a good record in test matches in the recent past, but the odds are still stacked in favour of the home team. Experts and legends believe likewise and to prove one and all wrong is going to require some exceptional good cricket from the Indians.