Peak cricket season in Australia starts today with the first of a 5 Test Match Series being played between Australia and India in Perth. These two heavyweights of international cricket have been exceptional rivals in recent years so there is a lot of excitement and anticipation in the air, not just here in Australia but for cricket lovers around the world.
Australia haven't played a test match for 8 months but they look like a really settled side, while India has a lot of new and younger faces in its squad. Having come off a shock 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home in India not long ago, there is a lot of pressure on this Indian side to now perform away from home in one of the toughest environments for sub-continent cricketers.
There has been a bit of rain in Perth which has disrupted the pitch preparation, but there is an expectation that the pitch will be fast and bouncy and should hold together reasonably well for 5 days if the batsmen can last that long. For me I think both bowling attacks look good and the match will come down to which batting lineup can dig in for a big century or two.
In the betting Australia are red-hot favorites and are priced at a ridiculously short 1.40 so I see no value in backing them at that price. I would not be at all surprised if Australia win the toss and decide to Bowl First to really apply the pressure early even though that would be a relatively unorthodox decision. I am hoping to see India compete hard, but it's difficult to put the national loyalties aside for a big series like this. Go Australia!
