Australia vs India 2014-15: Probable Australian XI

The four previous Border-Gavaskar series have been comprehensively won by the home side: India thrice in 2008/09, 2010/11 and 2012/13, and Australia in 2011/12. Considering India’s overseas struggles lately, it is only fair to consider Australia as huge favourites going into the 2014/15 tour. Here is a predicted Australia XI that is expected to give tough competition for India:

#1 David Warner

The left-hander is the leading opener in world cricket at the moment. Australia will be relying on him to get them off to a good start with controlled, aggressive strokeplay. Once he survives the new ball, he could cash in on the inexperienced support cast.

With 1305 runs at an average of 68.68 and 6 centuries, Warner is the second highest run scorer in Test matches only behind Kumar Sangakkara, over the last 12 months.

#2 Chris Rogers

The veteran is becoming the near perfect pair for the explosive Warner and is appreciably consistent. Capable of playing some really long innings to go with incredible patience, he’ll hold one end up, playing second fiddle to his partner.

Since November 2013, the left-hander has notched up three hundreds including a fighting 107 against South Africa in the fourth innings of the Port Elizabeth Test. Hence, his struggles against Pakistan can be ignored and should be trusted to deliver.

#3 Shane Watson

The injury-prone all-rounder will be expecting his body to stay fit when India arrive for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If it does, then Watson will be a really good choice at No.3. His replacement Alex Doolan hasn’t set the stage on fire and Watson had a good Ashes series in 2014-15 that should work in his favor.

He is also dubbed to be the one with a golden arm for his knack of picking up wickets to break troublesome partnerships which might come in handy for the home side.

#4 Michael Clarke (c)

Another key player with fitness concerns. However, his poor performances in recent times have been more worrisome than his physical condition and he should be looking to work on his game to come good against the visitors.

If he finds back his touch, then Indian bowlers will have some very long fruitless sessions like last time around.

#5 Steve Smith

The young middle-order batsman is slowly realizing his potential and should easily beat Glenn Maxwell for the No.5 slot. The hard fought 97 in a losing cause in the last Test against Pakistan will tilt the odds in Smith’s favour. Moreover, Smith is the second highest run scorer for Australia in whites over the past 12 months with 770 runs including three centuries.

#6 Mitchell Marsh

The 22-year-old all-rounder has come a long way since making his debut last season. With brilliant, match changing performances across all formats of the game, Marsh is now a regular for Australia. There is no realistic chances of him being overlooked for the No.7 slot particulary after that responsible, gritty knock of 47 on a turning track against Pakistan spinners.

Since there is also a slight risk of Watson’s injury to show up again, Marsh’s place in the side is almost guaranteed.

#7 Brad Haddin (wk)

The wicket-keeper batsman can be expected to recover from his shoulder injury after being cleared of a fracture recently. Haddin has always stood up whenever the top order has failed and his lower-order runs were one among the important factors that contributed to the Ashes whitewash.

#8 Mitchell Johnson

The left-arm pacer was the wrecker-in-chief for Australia last season and can pounce on the relatively inexperienced Indian middle-order. He might try and bounce out the batsmen again, a method he used to devastating effect against England in the last Ashes series.

The frontline bowler has a remarkable average of 16.55 for his 65 wickets in the past 12 months.

#9 Ryan Harris

The wily swing bowler is on a recovery path after going under the knife for his long standing knee problems. Despite being 35, the selectors will be itching to bring back the ‘artist’ simply because of the margin of movement he generates on the red cherry.

In the last 16 innings, Harris has picked up 32 wickets at an average of 23.21.

#10 Peter Siddle

An average of 38.08 over since November 2013 is hardly convincing, yet, Siddle could make the side for his ability to make the old ball reverse a bit. The right-arm seam bowler operates at a healthy pace and is capable of moving the ball both ways.

Also, he can bowl some long spells if required. With Johnson and Harris, Siddle can really dominate the game with his tight line and length. However, Pat Cummins, provided he impresses in the series against South Africa might put pressure on the team management to pick him.

#11 Nathan Lyon

Australia have no other option but to persist with Lyon despite disappointing performances in the UAE. However, on having seen Indian batsman struggle against a part timer in Moeen Ali on non-spinning England strips, underestimating a potentially threatening bowler is not encouraged for the Indian batsmen.