'It will be a great theatre' - Former Australian seamer picks his favourite battle from upcoming IND vs AUS Test series

India vs Australia (Source: Twitter)

The upcoming India vs Australia Test series in February is the most anticipated series in the cricketing fraternity. The rivalry between the two sides has got intense in recent years as they’ve played several memorable Tests. A lot will be at stake in the upcoming series as well with India needing a win in at least two Tests to remain in contention for the final of the World Test Championship.

The series will feature several mouth-watering battles between heavyweights from both sides. One such battle will be between India’s star batter Virat Kohli and Australian captain Pat Cummins. Cummins has tasted success against Kohli on several occasions as he dismissed him on nine occasions in international cricket. On the other hand, Kohli also has a strike rate of 94 against the star seamer. Former Australian seamer Jason Gillespie expects the Australia captain to have a go at Virat and not allow him time to get himself in.

"I am really looking forward to seeing (Virat) Kohli vs Cummins. That's a fantastic match-up. It will be interesting to see how they go. When Virat comes out to bat, I would love to see Cummins take the ball and go at him straightaway. That will be great theatre, two wonderful cricketers at the top of their game," Gillespie was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Australian pacers can all have a real impact with the old ball: Jason Gillespie

Cummins will have the support of the other seamer Josh Hazlewood in the absence of Mitchell Starc who’s been ruled out of the first Test. Australia have strengthened their spin attack with Mitchell Swepson and Todd Murphy supporting Nathan Lyon. While spin is expected to play a major role in the series, Gillespie believes Australian seamers will also play a major role.

"Starc is obviously a left-armer and does get it to reverse very late. But Hazlewood and Cummins are equally good. They can all have a real impact with the old ball. Watch out for Green too. He can be a really awkward customer for the Indian batsmen. I think we will see the ball reverse swinging in this series," he added.