Aussies start favourites

In the existing backdrop, the Test promises to have every single ingredient that a cricket crazy Indian would want. Not an inch will be given by either side, even though Australia can be deemed favourites going into the game. 

Managing to eke out a draw from the most adverse circumstances must have given Steve Smith and his boys immense amount of self belief that they have the requisite ability to salvage the team from any situation. Peter Handscombe has shown that he has the technique, and more importantly, a big heart to thrive in top-flight professional sport. But Saturday will be a different day and different occasion. 

The hosts know it too well that they are now not left with any option but to go for the jugular. For that to happen, someone like a KL Rahul has to promise himself that he would convert a bright start into an even brighter three-figure mark. Karun Nair needs to forget that he had scored a triple hundred only two months back. 

Cheteshwar Pujara once again needs to grind the opposition out while Murali Vijay would need to show monk-like calmness in pressure situation. Rahane, in full flow, is a delight to watch but in case Kohli is absent, he will have to be the leader in his own way. He may not be an enforcer but having played enough under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahane would like to believe that every captain has his own distinct style.