India vs Australia Predictions: India are yet to lose a series against Australia at home since 2004

India will be facing off against Australia in the first game of the four-game test series being held, at VCA Stadium. India has impressed in all shorter formats so far and this will be their first test of this calendar year. Will they continue their form or will Australia create an upset?

India form

India is in their best form and seemed to have settled in all formats of the game. They have dedicated personnel for all three formats who know their job. They also have youngsters who are explosive and ready to shine if given the chance. With good stability all-round, former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted the Indian cricket team to win the series against Australia. It will be easier said than done with the impressive lineup Australia brings to the table. India won their last test series against Bangladesh at their home by 2-0. They will be looking to continue their momentum on home soil.

India Predicted Lineup

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Australia form

The kangaroos are coming into the series with great form. They have a batter-heavy lineup which has played a lot of IPL to familiarise themselves with the Indian pitches. Lyon can be a key man in Indian turning pitches. Australia last played a test Series against South Africa which they won 2-0. Steve Smith will be a key character in the Australian batting lineup with his experience and has been successful against Indian bowlers. Austalia will miss Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Cameron Green due to injuries but they have enough in their tank to get the series underway with a win.  

Australia Lineup

Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson, Scott Boland

Expert betting tips

The pitch will assist batters and a high-scoring game is on the cards. The spinners can cause lots of damage and will be crucial for both teams. They will be especially prevalent in the last few days of this test match. Expect big scores from the top batters in both sides. India has not lost any series against Australia at home since 2004 and we expect the first game to go India's way.