Australia excels at home because they understand their conditions: John Buchanan

Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins. (Source – Getty Images)

Team India are once again gearing up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the mighty Australians. With the series including five Tests for the first time since 1991-92, former Australia coach John Buchanan opened up on India’s chances of securing a historic third consecutive Test series victory.

Buchanan, who led Australia during its dominant era in the early 2000s, believes that India’s success will mainly be determined by the batting performances of Rohit and Virat Kohli, respectively. However, this time tipped the Aussies as the favourites given they are well aware of the home conditions and can exploit it quite efficiently to their advantage against a spirited Indian side.

“Australia excels at home because they bat well and understand their conditions,” Buchanan said during the launch of the ‘Ready Steady Go Kids’ multi-sport program.

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The Australian pace attack, comprising skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and spinner Nathan Lyon, presents a significant challenge for the visiting team. Buchanan suggests that India could find success by adopting a strategy of prolonged batting, similar to Cheteshwar Pujara‘s approach in previous tours.

“The combination of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Lyon is one of the most formidable all-round attacks in world cricket. Despite their experience, a five-Test series could test their physical endurance. If India can bat not just well but for long durations, it might stretch the Australian bowlers’ physical limits, providing a pathway for India to win the series,” he further added.

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The lack of adequate preparation time for touring teams is another factor that could impact India’s performance. With only a two-day pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI scheduled before the day-night Test, the Indian team may face challenges in adapting to Australian conditions. The former coach believes the hosts have the upper hand in the upcoming series. The 71-year-old, also opined that Steve Smith shouldn’t be opening and should be batting at the No.4. But believes in the management’s decision on the right-hand batter’s position.

“Australia will be the favourites going into this series. It’s increasingly difficult for touring teams to succeed without adequate preparation. Teams no longer play several warm-up games before the first Test, making it hard to adjust, especially when starting at a venue like Perth, which offers fast and bouncy wickets,” the former Australian coach continued.

“Personally, I don’t favour Smith opening. He’s made his mark at No. 4. But, of course, the final decision will be made by the selectors, the captain, and Smith himself,” Buchanan concluded.