AUS v IND 2020-21: Zaheer Khan expects bowlers to decide the fate of India-Australia contest

India will face Australia in four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.

By Salman Anjum - 20 Nov, 2020

There is a lot of anticipation around India’s tour Down Under later this year, where Virat Kohli and company will face Australia in four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.

See Also: ‘Virat Kohli’s absence an opportunity for someone else to step up’, says VVS Laxman

Just like the fans, former India pacer Zaheer Khan is also excited for the series as he believes it will be a battle between two incredibly strong bowling attacks.

India’s pace attack would be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, while the numero uno Test bowler Pat Cummins will lead Australia’s attack alongside Mitchell Starc and others.

"The Australian pitches have always had good bounce and pace, so I think the area which will decide the ODIs, T20Is and Tests will be the bowlers and how well the team bowls as a unit to restrict the opponent to a lower total on the scoreboard," Zaheer quoted as saying by PTI.

"When someone talks about the top line bowlers in the world right now, the names of the players that come to our mind will all be on the pitch in this series," he added.

According to Zaheer, India will face a stern test in Australia this summer due to the presence of Steve Smith and David Warner.

Under Kohli’s leadership, India won their maiden Test series on Australian soil in 2018-19 but Smith, Warner were serving their 12-month ball-tampering ban at that time.

"Now with the return of Steve Smith and David Warner to the Australian side, the Indian team is definitely going to face a stiffer competition than their previous tour Down Under," the former India fast bowler remarked.

"There are no favourites going into the series as both the sides have quality batting and bowling line-up in their squad and that is what will make the upcoming tour interesting and exciting to watch."

Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath also echoed Zaheer’s sentiments.

"The Indian cricket team will face a much tougher Australian team now that Smith and Warner are back but the Indian team is equally strong and have an aggressive mentality and determination to win the series," McGrath said. "The current Indian team has got the confidence of playing in Australian conditions now and they know how to do it as they've been successful here in the last tour."

(With PTI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 20 Nov, 2020

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