More than a week left for the anticipating India-Australia Test series to kick off. But speculations have already begun surrounding the two sides, their playing XI and who are the favourites. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman while saying the 2018 series to be India’s best chance to script history Down Under, predicting the result of the series.
“I expect the series to close 3-1 in India’s favour. I don’t see any draws in Australian conditions. I don’t think India would have a better opportunity. And I am not saying so because there is no Steve Smith and Dave Warner. I am saying this because they have the potential. I got it totally wrong in England when I thought India will win 4-1. But I think they have the ability,” Laxman told Aajtak in an interview.
In 2018, India have played nine Test matches and have won five, while Australia have managed to secure only two victories in seven Tests and none since the ball-tampering incident.
“There is no doubt about it. I have been playing in Australia since 1999. At home, I first played a Test against them in 1996. They were legendary players. Ones who could go out and win matches not just at home but away too. The character of those teams was they would not give up so easily. They believed in their abilities. I can’t see that in this Australian team.
“Justin Langer became their coach and he showed through his career that he may not have such talent but he would maximise his potential through hard work. That’s the attitude I would like to see of this Australian team. But I agree this is the weakest Australian team I have seen in my career,” said Laxman.