The Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series is all set to begin from Thursday (December 6) with both hosts Australia and tourists India eager to win the prestigious cup.
Although Australia playing in their backyard should have an added advantage, yet the unavailability of Steve Smith and David Warner restrict them to avail the offer.
Team India, on the other hand, have a different scenario. They are composed of young yet in form players that can demolish the mightiest of opponents with ease.
Meanwhile, South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has predicted the outcome of the upcoming four-match Test series between Australia and India.
While many past and current cricketers have said that this is India’s best chance to win a Test series Down Under, Steyn has tipped Australia to clinch the series despite the absence of their key players.
“I’d probably go with Australia, just in terms of history against India. The amount of touring they (India) have had this year, the guys might be a bit tired,” Steyn was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Steyn made his prediction based on the fact that India started off their gruelling 2018 season by traveling to South Africa and then went on a two-month long tour of England. Virat Kohli and his troops lost to the Proteas in a closely fought series but were completely dismantled by the Englishmen in the five-match Test series.
“Even in England, I put my money on England to beat India, but India pushed them. I thought that England’s bowling would be the thing that pipped India, but India’s bowling really surprised me and if they continue in that vein they could cause some trouble down here (in Australia),” Steyn said.
The history that Steyn is referring to is completely stacked against India as in the previous 11 visits to Australia, they have never managed to win a Test series Down Under. Moreover, out of 44 Tests that they have played in the country, India have won just five matches.
The first Test between the two teams is scheduled to take place at the Adelaide Oval.
