After all of the build-up and thoughts video games, we’re simply hours away from the primary Take a look at between India and Australia within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 in Nagpur. This collection is essential for the hosts as they need to win at the very least two Assessments to remain within the race to qualify for the ICC World Take a look at Championship Closing.

Australia, however, will even be assured after beating Pakistan away from residence in a Take a look at collection final yr. They’ve made some particular preparations for the collection and the stage appears set for what could possibly be one of the vital closely-fought collection in latest reminiscence.

With world-class gamers who’ve confronted off in opposition to one another on quite a few events on either side, it’s however pure that there are some match-ups to be careful for. On that be aware, let’s check out three such match-ups that might go a great distance in deciding the winner of the first Take a look at in Nagpur.

#3 Steve Smith vs Ravichandran Ashwin

Earlier than the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Underneath, many had doubts about how Ravichandran Ashwin would fare on pitches that did not supply a lot flip. Nevertheless, the veteran off-spinner confirmed his class by making among the finest Take a look at batters of all-time in Steve Smith his bunny.

With the notorious ‘legside entice’, Ashwin dominated Smith on the sphere and repeatedly examined him on a psychological degree. The Aussie did rating 100 within the Sydney Take a look at, nevertheless it was his slightly quiet collection that performed an enormous position in India profitable the trophy.

The star batter has claimed that Australia have some plans up their sleeve to work Ashwin out. Nevertheless, for somebody who has dismissed Smith six occasions in Assessments, Ashwin will probably be assured of dominating the batter in residence situations.

#2 Rohit Sharma vs Pat Cummins

The result of the collection might additionally rely quite a bit on what occurs within the showdown between captains Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins. The speedster dismissed Rohit twice the final time India traveled Down Underneath and that may give him a number of confidence.

Nevertheless, Rohit has been one among India’s greatest batters in Assessments ever since he started opening the batting. He will not shrink back from taking part in a counter-attacking knock upfront if wanted.

This might deliver a number of runs for the Indian captain, however would additionally maintain the Australian skipper in with an opportunity of choosing up the large wicket.

#1 Virat Kohli vs Nathan Lyon

Arguably the largest participant battle that followers from each nations are ready for is the one between former captain Virat Kohli and off-spinner Nathan Lyon. One of many biggest finger spinners ever produced by Australia, Lyon has dismissed Kohli seven occasions in Assessments.

Kohli’s latest issues in opposition to spin of late, particularly off-spin, are well-documented. Nevertheless, the star batter has additionally averaged 58.6 in opposition to Lyon, which is essentially the most for any lively Indian cricketer.

This makes the battle much more fascinating, particularly if the experiences of the pitch in Nagpur being a rank turner are true.