Former Australia coach John Buchanan has shared his views on India’s prospects of achieving a historic third consecutive Test series win Down Under. According to Buchanan, the visiting side’s chances will largely depend on how well their batting lineup, including experienced stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, can withstand the formidable Australian pace attack.
India are set to tour Australia for a five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, marking the first time since the 1991-92 season that the series will feature five matches. The much-anticipated series is scheduled to kick off on November 22 at the WACA in Perth, known for its fast and bouncy wicket. Buchanan, who was at the helm during Australia’s dominant run across all formats in the early 2000s, noted that both teams would feature a mix of ageing players. However, he believes this won’t detract from the intensity of the competition.
“Australia, since losing to India in the last series, has a pace bowling attack supported by Nathan Lyon and either Cameron Green or Mitch Marsh,” Buchanan said during the launch of the ‘Ready Steady Go Kids’ multi-sport program at CP Goenka International School. “This forms a very powerful bowling lineup. India’s top order, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and possibly Shreyas Iyer, will need to bat exceptionally well to set competitive totals. Only then can their bowlers, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, capitalize.”
While India won its last two Test tours of Australia, Buchanan believes the psychological edge might not carry over to this series. “The past series wins were significant, but players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who were central to those victories, are unlikely to be part of the touring squad this time,” he said. “The current players from both sides are at stages in their careers where they all want to perform. So, those past games don’t hold as much sway anymore.”
Buchanan highlighted that the key to India’s success will lie in their ability to bat for long periods, a strategy that Cheteshwar Pujara executed masterfully in India’s previous victories. During the 2018–19 series, Pujara faced 1,258 balls, wearing down the Australian attack. Two years later, he faced 928 balls to help India secure another series win.
“Australia excels at home because they bat well and understand their conditions,” Buchanan explained. “The combination of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Lyon is one of the most formidable all-round attacks in world cricket. Despite their experience, a five-Test series could test their physical endurance. If India can bat not just well but for long durations, it might stretch the Australian bowlers’ physical limits, providing a pathway for India to win the series.”
