2nd Test, India vs Australia (Perth) 2018: Preview l Can Virat Kohli's men make it 2-0?

Virat Kohli scripted history when he won the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide by 31 runs. He became the first Asian captain to win Tests in England, South Africa and Australia. At the same time, India became the first Asian team to win Tests in England, South Africa and Australia in a calendar year. This was the first time since 1988 that the Australian team lost their opening Test match at home. But even after a resounding win there are problems for both the sides going into the second Test match at Perth on Friday.

The only time the Indian cricket team won a Test match at WACA, Perth was in the 2007-08 series. It was after the monkey-gate controversy between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds in the second Test match of the tour. Steve Bucknor’s umpiring decisions that included giving Indian batsmen out when the replays showed they weren’t out, lead to Australia winning that Test. There were also instances where the Australian cricket team appealed for catches that weren’t caught. After the loss then India captain, Anil Kumble, stated that only one team was playing in the spirit of the game. Bucknor was removed from the tour after his decisions were found to be outrageous by the ICC. After the court hearing where Harbhajan Singh’s ban was removed, India came all guns blazing and won the next Test match.

This year though, things are different for both India and Australia. Ishant Sharma is the only player who was present last time India won at Perth. The Australian cricket team, meanwhile, is still searching for a leader. Former captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner are still serving ban imposed by Cricket Australia for their involvement in the sandpaper gate. Experts believe Australia lost against India in the first Test match because they were missing their leaders.

India’s intensity with the ball against the Aussies led to them win in Adelaide. 14 of the 20 wickets were taken between Indian seamers Bumrah, Ishant and Shami. But Rohit Sharma’s bizzare shot at 37 led to his downfall. He was selected ahead of Hanuma Vihari and other bowlers, a decision which raised a lot of eyeballs.

In the upcoming Test match, the bouncy pitch will be an advantage for India. Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Umesh Yadav find themselves selected ahead of Rohit Sharma, or will Australia come back hard to stop India from winning their second Test match ever at Perth?

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