SPORTS MODE 49 Always supremely gifted, a prodigious talent, Uzzy has never been fitter or more focused. That was brilliantly evident in his Test match saving exploits against Pakistan in Dubai in October, notching a career-defining Test century. In 40-degree heat, he denied Pakistan victory and wrote himself into the record books. Also set to put pedal to metal is arguably the best pace attack in the world. Rested, locked, loaded and ready to fire, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood should create havoc on what you would only imagine to be pitches favoured – some would say doctored – to suit fast bowling. And don’t forget the GOAT (the Greatest of All Time), Nathan Lyon, the ‘silent assassin’. INDIA DOWN UNDER Officially, India is the world’s best Test playing nation. Unofficially, they simply “lose a leg when they travel away from the subcontinent”. Despite their standing in world cricket, India have never won a series in Australia. That’s right, they’ve NEVER won a series here. And it gets even worse: they haven’t even had a single test victory in this country during their past two tours. But in the wake of Sandpaper Gate it could all change as Australia is set to play a four-Test series against India this summer: First Test: Adelaide Oval, 6–10 December Second Test: Perth Stadium, 14–18 December Third Test: MCG, 26–30 December Fourth Test: SCG, 3–7 January SUBCONTINENTAL POWER India is the powerhouse of world cricket. But as it normally does, it all comes down to money. The Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI) generates a massive 70 per cent of global income for the game, while some believe that 70 per cent of Cricket Australia’s revenue is generated by deals with the BCCI. Basically, it’s the Golden Rule where the man with the gold makes the rules. India call the shots, even when they travel. For the past three years, Adelaide has regenerated interest in Test match cricket by staging an annual day-night Test match. Everyone loves it. Day-night Test matches may just save the beleaguered five-day format. However, despite the sell-out crowds and record TV ratings, India refused to play under light. Cricket Australia bowed to the pressure and agreed to go back to the ‘old days’. It’s a step backwards, one cricket can ill afford. OLD AND THE NEW There is much to admire about Indian cricket and their aggressive style. The four-Test match series could have decided just who is the world’s number one batsman – Virat Kohli or Steve Smith. Sadly, Smith is serving a suspension, restricted to a spectator this summer, while Kohli is set to dazzle. Before the recent tour of England, against the swinging ball on greenish pitches, Kohli was criticised for a lowly Test batting average of four in the Old Dart. By the end of the fifth Test, he responded as the leading run-scorer (593 runs @59.30) including two centuries and two 50s, but that was spoilt by a golden duck in his final innings. The Indian skipper could churn out similar figures over our summer. India also has a new batting sensation in Prithvi Shaw. Touted as the next Tendulkar, the 18-year-old is fresh from a maiden Test century against the West Indies, becoming the youngest Test batsman on debut to make a century for India. OUTCOME No Smith, no Warner. It could be a long summer for Australia, with a top 6 that was already brittle with those two superstars in the team. Unfortunately, we can’t be trusted to make enough runs. In saying that, our bowlers are magnificent and should carry the team. Given India’s abysmal record on the road, I’m tipping Australia to win the series 2–1. Photo credit: Tariq Khawaja Terry Kennedy