IND vs AUS: 5 Player battles to watch out for in 2nd Test of Border- Gavaskar Trophy

Steve Smith Virat Kohli (Image source

India vs Australia first Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy was a thrilling battle of the two best Test sides in the world- a battle that was won by the Rohit Sharma-led India. The action-packed game saw 11 players from each side come face to face and fight for superiority.

The second Test promises to bring even more feisty battles between the teams and players on the individual fronts.

Let's look at the top five player battles that would be anticipated by all cricket fans around the world.

Steve Smith vs Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja Steve Smith (Image source: Twitter)

Steve Smith is known for his ability to score big runs against India. The right-hand batter was the top scorer for the visitors in the first Test with scores of 37 and 25. Smith was one of the few batters who could stay at the crease while others fell like autumn leaves.

India however has a weapon in its armoury that took care of Smith in both innings. Ravindra Jadeja cleaned bowler Smith in the first inning and did the same in the second, but it was given a no-ball. With 7 wickets Jadeja came out as the Player of the Match. It will be interesting to see if Jadeja can control Smith's scoring and take his wicket.

Rohit Sharma vs Pat Cummins

Rohit Sharma Pat Cummins (Image source: Twitter)

Rohit Sharma is one of India's best-opening batsmen, but Cummins is one of the best fast bowlers in the world right now. Sharma hit the only century of the match and took India to a commanding position. Cummins would look to get one back on the batter. It will be a battle of technique and skill as Rohit tries to get India off to a good start while Cummins aims to dismiss him early.

Virat Kohli vs Nathan Lyon

Virat Kohli Nathan Lyon (Image source: Twitter)

Virat Kohli is one of the best batsmen in the world, but he has struggled against Nathan Lyon in the past. In the first match, Kohli could not face Lyon as he was dismissed before Lyon's spell began. He would however be looking to make his stay at the pitch longer and bring out a memorable knock at his home stadium. Lyon's spin can trouble Kohli, and it will be interesting to see if Kohli can overcome this challenge and score big runs.

David Warner vs Mohammed Shami

David Warner Mohammed Shami (Image source: Twitter)

David Warner is known for his aggressive batting but the southpaw is currently going through a rough patch of form. This game could be one of the last opportunities for Warner before getting dropped from the playing XI and hence he would be looking to score some significant runs.

Mohammed Shami however is a skilled fast bowler who can swing the ball both ways. In the first Test, he cleaned bowled Warner in the third over itself. It will be a test of patience and technique for both players as they try to gain the upper hand in this battle.

Marnus Labuschagne vs Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin Marnus Labuschagne (Image source: Twitter)

Marnus Labuschagne is one of the most technically gifted batters in the world right now. He was the top scorer for Australia in the first innings (49) and looked great for his rather short stint at the crease. He would look to build upon his performance from the first inning and lead Australia's batting lineup to a good total.

Ravichandran Ashwin however is a skilled off-spinner himself who can turn the ball sharply. In the first Test, he was the highest wicket-taker (8). It will be interesting to see if Ashwin can control Labuschagne's scoring and take his wicket when India face Australia in Delhi.