India vs Australia 2018-19: 3 Individual battles that might decide the Test series

The much-awaited Test series between India and Australia begins on December 6 in Adelaide. The series promises to be a mouth-watering contest between the two of the best Test-playing nations.

This will be India's last overseas Test series this year and probably their best chance to win as well, thanks to the absence of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameroon Bancroft.

While the Australian batting isn't what it once was, one thing is for certain. The Aussies can't be underestimated and that is largely due to their strong bowling line-up which is expected to become even more dangerous in home conditions. Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are the players who provide strength to the batting line-up.

The player battles will also play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the series. And, the team which wins more of them, might be the favorites to win the series. Here are a few important battles:

#3 Ravichandran Ashwin vs Nathan Lyon

One of the main attractions of the series will be the battle between two of the best spinners- Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon. Spinners have always enjoyed success in Australia, the best example being legendary spinner Shane Warne.

Lyon, on one hand, has an average of 33.74 whereas Ashwin has an average of 54.71 on flat Australia grounds. Ashwin is able to manage a wicket in every 96 balls while Lyon takes a wicket in every 67 balls. More importantly, Ashwin had totally failed to prove himself on India's 2014-15 tour of Australia. Whereas, Nathan Lyon had taken 12, 5, 2 and 4 wickets in the 4 Tests and was a consistent performer throughout the series.

Ashwin hasn't enjoyed a good success rate in Australia so far. However, the 32-year-old would expect a better show this time around. And whoever puts on a better show, will definitely play an important role in the team's victory.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah vs Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh has been one of the best players for Australia. However, he has not been in the form this year, being able to score just 317 runs in 7 matches. Bumrah, on the other hand, has been in the form of his life. He has taken 28 wickets in 6 matches so far at a magnificent average of 25.57.

However, the 35-year-old left-hander enjoys a good record against India, having scored 422 runs against them. He has constantly supported David Warner and Steve Smith in the batting department. In their absence, the responsibility of the batting comes totally on him. His experience might play an important role for his team during the whole series.

The Indian team also carries a lot of expectations from Bumrah, who will be their lead bowler for the series. If he is able to control Marsh throughout the series, then India will have a good chance to win their first Test series in Australia this time around.

#1 Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc

Virat vs Starc: A battle to watch out for

Virat Kohli vs James Anderson was the main attraction of India's tour of England this year. And Kohli had totally dominated it by not getting out to Anderson even once. However, the battle between Starc and Kohli will be a bigger and more interesting one for sure. This is because the battle will be between two former RCB teammates and friends.

Kohli enjoys a magnificent record in Australia. He has an average of 62 in Australia. And last time, he went there, he had scored 697 runs in 8 innings being India's lone warrior during the whole tour. The same is the case with Mitchell Starc, who has taken 96 wickets in Australia at an astonishing average of 28.41.

Starc might trouble Kohli with his balls, which goes away from the batsman as Kohli is always looking to score runs. If Starc is able to control Kohli and get him out, then India might see themselves in trouble. However, the case might be vice-versa if Kohli is able to get rid of the most dangerous Aussie bowler.

Therefore, the battle between the two will be the battle which might decide the result of the series.