Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid reveal their predictions ahead of Australia vs India Test series

India and Australia will be up against each other for the four-match Test series starting from December 17 in Adelaide. The Indian side will suffer a blow when their skipper Virat Kohli would set foot for India after the first Test owing to his paternity leave. In the same light, former Indian greats Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble have predicted the result of the series. Both of them showed their confidence in India and feels that they can repeat what happened in 2018-19.

Kumble opined that India needs to take the momentum in the very first match only. If they can win the opening Test, they can easily take on the series. Kumble feels that Steve Smith and David Warner are back in the squad and also, Kohli will be missing from the second Test. So, it will be challenging for India, but they can still manage it.

“Although with [Steven] Smith and [David] Warner coming back [after their ball-tampering bans the last time] and then Virat [Kohli] missing the three-Test matches will obviously be a big factor for India. But having said that, there’s enough ability within the team, be it batting or bowling,” said Kumble as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Who will get 500-plus runs for us in the series: Rahul Dravid

Kumble stated that India needs to match the fast bowling level with Australia, and then, they can think for the series. Pink ball is their strength, and Adelaide will be an advantage for them. Therefore, India needs to build from that point. Rahul Dravid believes that someone needs to replicate what Pujara did last time. Since Kohli won’t be there in the entire tour, someone had to get 500 plus runs in the series. Also, Dravid feels that if Warner or Smith find their rhythm, it’s going to be very difficult for India.

“I think we will be able to get 20 wickets over five days. [But] will we get a batsman who will get 500-plus runs for us in the series [or not] might define it; if we can get that, then we give ourselves a great chance. If one of Smith and Warner, who missed the last series, get that, then they [Australia] probably will have the edge,” added Dravid.