5 Key battles to watchout for in the India-Australia series

4. Steven Smith v Ajinkya Rahane: 

Unlike the previous pair, this one might seem as a surprising comparison for many. Well, if there is one thing that marries both these players, it is their ability to enter the field and control it without making noise. Both Smith and Rahane have been ‘silent guardians’ of their ships at various instances, steering the vessel safely to the shore.

The Mumbaikar notched up two centuries against South Africa in the last Test match he played and showed how well he can subdue the fiery bowling up which has Morkel, Abbot and Tahir who are always roaring to take the opposition down.

Coming to the silent Australian, Smith was named as an ICC player of the year last year which speaks about his performances that he gave last year. His hard hitting abilities add more firepower to his armory, posing a threat to the Indian bowling attack.

Both the middle order batsmen have shown the character to adapt to all forms of the game and this ODI series shall be one more test in their career, which they would be hoping to succeed with good numbers.