Nagpur awaits...who will strike the first blow
A review, or setting of the scene...first Test, Border Gavaskar Trophy, 2023. Nagpur, India
So, here we are in Nagpur, India’s geographical bulls-eye, and there’s an urge to ask the question, "Who’s India’s greatest darts person?"
Well, we're not quite there, but we're as close as we can be. And, Test cricket is on the menu, not darts!
Over the next four weeks, I hope to be able to write some fascinating and interesting content for you here at SpeakingNick.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is here, and the heightened level of global expectation appears to be comparable with any other series in world cricket. Is it irresponsible to say this rivalry challenges the importance of the Ashes? I think not.
As of January 2021, India holds the Border-Gavaskar trophy after defeating Australia in 2020-21 by two Tests to one, with one drawn match.
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When you compare the two countries, there is very little to associate them outside of cricket; their only historical bond is their connection to British imperialism.
On the cricket field, Australia sought to move away from this position swiftly, while the other team, India, chose to be the tortoise in the race.
India is no longer the tortoise; its team is unrecognisable from its former self. They have sprouted wings and will be very difficult to beat in home conditions.
Previews are a dime a penny. I’m just wishing to set the scene, wanting to be concise and incisive. I hear you.
Australia: who’s fit and able:
Confirmed: Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will both be unavailable for the first Test.
All rounder, Cameron Green remains in the "highly unlikely" category. In the “bat only” category is a better than even money chance.
Australia’s tour squad of 18 is effectively reduced to 15.
India: who’s fit and able:
India named 17 in their squad for the first two Tests. Shreyas Iyer is the only player not available for selection.
Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant are both outside the squad selected. Bumrah is struggling with a back injury while Pant is still recovering from a serious car accident.
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Who will play?
Australia’s selection criteria is so unpredictably, predictable. A smoke-and-mirrors selection policy has long been their modus operandi. With that said, there is a reassuring orthodoxy about it for Australian fans.
India, on the other hand, is less predictable. And, with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) appointing their own curators to politely guide the local associations in pitch preparation, I believe they are more likely to play an unconventional combination—three spinners.
So, again, who will play?
Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw look 50/50 for the six spot (this with Green not bowling). Alex Carey will bat seven. After that, four bowlers—Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon—then another spinner and a quick. Scott Boland is likely to play, then its anyone’s guess? If Travis Head has been landing them in the nets, then Ashton Agar might just get the nod over the rookie, Todd Murphy. Mitch Swepson still being a wait-and-see.
Warner, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Green, Carey, Agar, Cummins, Boland, Lyon—take that the G.O.A.T! — adding Murphy to the 12.
Shubman Gill is in undeniable form; I expect him to open with Rohit Sharma. The "rock," Cheteshwar Pujara, will do his thing at three, with Virat Kohli in the four spot—facing off against Steve Smith. Suryakumar Yadav will debut at five, and I expect KL Rahul to keep wicket in Pant’s absence. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin to bat seven and eight, leaving room for another spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, and two quicks: Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
Rohit, Gill, Pujara, Kohli, SKY, Rahul, Jadeja, Ashwin, Kuldeep, Shami, Siraj.
The Pitch…
You knew it was coming! The length of the pitch will be 22 yards (20.12 meters), while the width should be approximately 10 feet (3.05 meters). And it’s going to spin, and spin big.
On close inspection, it looks like three pitches rolled into one. I’m sure the ICC will correct the mowing and rolling patterns before the game gets underway!
I wasn’t able to resist asking one of the “large language models” about spinning pitches in India:
“The nature and characteristics of pitches can vary greatly depending on the type of surface, the climate, and other environmental factors. This variability can greatly impact the outcome of a match and is one of the many elements that make cricket a challenging and unpredictable sport.”
Wonderful!
The Protagonists…
Steve Smith is the only Australian batsman with a Test century in India. David Warner will want to fill this hole in his resume. Both veterans understand the importance of "big first innings" runs in tight series. Smith will be in his bubble, and Warner will be more overt. Usman Khawaja is a renowned "form player." He rides the good times as well as any player in world cricket. He will hope this will continue with a productive game in Nagpur. Marnus will be ready to go, as always. Alex Carey is an interesting one for me; will he be able to play his "sweep both ways" game effectively in these conditions? His first 20 balls will be critical. Nathan Lyon, the spin Chief of Staff, has a huge part to play in the overall scheme of things. I would hope him to be an impact bowler, trying to avoid bowling long, containing spells. There is no doubt India’s right handers will come after Lyon. Pat Cummins looks isolated without Hazlewood and Starc. His captaincy will also be tested. Andrew McDonald is emerging as a master technician; his charges will be primed and ready to go.
Virat Kohli, what can you say? I believe he dragged this team, kicking and screaming, into the modern era. A lot of what Indian cricket represents now is due to his influence. He also looks in ominous form. Kohli is the one Indian batter that you want the ball turning away from. This might not happen for the entire series. Rohit Sharma looms as an interesting player to watch-and-see, both in terms of his batting and leadership. Will Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) bring his "enforcer game" to Test Cricket, this is also an enticing watch-and-see. Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja hold the keys to the Indian spin vault. Both able to play dual roles at different parts of the game. Attack and create chances, then hold and build pressure. No doubt, the biggest shift in recent times is India producing quick bowlers of real worth. It might be they only play one in this Test, however, they have a store full of fresh produce to choose from. Rounding out the hosts is coach, Rahul Dravid. It would be hard to find a more respected cricket person in India. He, too, will have his charges ready to go.
The Result..
It too is a WAIT-AND-SEE!
I look forward to bringing you more words through the next five days.
Thank you for being here.
Great summary Nick and perhaps a more detailed look into the role of the curator when we chat on Monday. Hands comb and Murphy got under your radar. We will also discuss at length. Best wishes and I anxiously await more insight.