Aussies Set To Deliver Indian's Payback On Their Terms

The pummeling from Pakistan is in the past as Australia prepares for a tough test series against India. While the Green and Gold got their groove back with a 4-1 One Day International Series victory over South Africa, it’s time to win wearing white after struggling on the subcontinent. On home soil our wickets won’t spin the Aussies out of contention but four fierce encounters against the Indians will provide plenty of examinations.

This One’s for Phil

The tragic death of Phillip Hughes put the game on hold as a nation and the entire Cricket fraternity mourned the loss of a genuine good guy. But with heavy hearts, yet fond memories, the Australians will take the field to play the sport Hughes lived for. While the way Hughes died was tragic it’s unlikely the freak accident will change the way cricketers play the game. Expect the Aussies to bowl bouncers from the beginning of the series honouring their mate by playing how they played every time Hughes wore the baggy green.

With the Brisbane test postponed due to Hughes’ passing Adelaide will now open the series. The drop in pitch should prove some respite for the Indians who’ll still expect a barrage of body balls and bouncers despite not being at the Gabba. Aggression bordering on all-out assault on batsmen is how the Aussies overcame England and South Africa earlier this year and with a fire burning in their bellies and their little mate to play for expect Australia to come out blazing.

Mean Mitch to Make Things Spicy for the Indians

A mean Mitchell Johnson may have the Indians on edge, and show they should be. Cricket’s international player of the year was the best man in a white in 2014 and he’ll be keen to add more wickets to his tally before the year is out. Australia’s spearhead talks tough and bowls even tougher. His pure speed and late swing will no doubt cause his opponents trouble.

Harris on the Hunt for Wickets

Ryan Harris is roaring to go. The quick’s played limited cricket of late, spending more time on the sideline recovering from knee surgery, after helping Australia claim a famous test series win against the Proteas in March. But after just a couple of games for Queensland the 35 year old is back in the test team and set to test India’s best bats. Harris has the ability to be fast, accurate and unrelenting, and is one of the best bowlers in the world when he’s fit. The injury prone warhorse has more than a hundred wickets in just 24 tests, with an average of a tick over 22.

Captain Clarke Keen to Lead from the Start

And so to the man an entire country has had their eyes on. Michael Clarke has had a turbulent time in recent weeks. Unloved by Cricket Australia after ruling himself out of the first test with a troubled hamstring, the 33 year old then stood tall and showed true class as he watched one of his best mates leave the world. Clarke has been a rock for Hughes’ family and friends while dealing with his own emotions at the same time. Now Australia’s best batsman is aiming to be a standout on the field in Adelaide. The classy captain has come back into contention for the opening match postponed; in fact Clarke looks a certainty to step out at the Adelaide Oval.

Clarke has been training with his teammates over the past few days, running laps and spending time batting in the nets as he aims to prove he’s not hamstrung enough to take his place. There’s no doubt the Australian players want their leader to play, while the Australian public would have to applaud a man that’s been through plenty of late.

Australia will have huge support from spectators at every venue this summer while cricket fans around the world will surely be behind a team that’s gone through a tough time. And while winning won’t mean everything in this test series, the Aussies will want victory so there little mate can watch on with pride. Can the favourites flourish at home and torment the tourists?