In episode 150 of the 81allout podcast we preview India's upcoming Test series against Australia - the latest chapter in a storied rivalry. Australia sure have the team to pull off a series win but the panel agrees that they will still need to be at their best to hand India their first home-series defeat in nearly a decade.

Support 81allout on Ko-Fi

Talking Points:

• Australia's attitude towards cricket in India over the years: from apathy to obeisance


• The role played by Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mike Coward and a few others in embracing India and her passion for cricket


• The 2017 India v Australia series, and the gripping Bangalore Test


• Can Pat Cummins replicate Glenn McGrath's success in India?


• The current Australian bowling attack v the 2004 attack that won in India


• India's fast bowling potency in home conditions (even without Jasprit Bumrah)


• Ashwin v Smith: a rivarly with a layer of deep technical insight


• Are we about the see the new new Virat Kohli?


• Can Australia's batters (especially the left-handers) tackle Ashwin?


• The flexibility Jadeja offers this Indian line-up


• Pant's absence and an opening for Axar to bolster the batting


• Our wishes for the pitches in this series: green tops and raging turners

Participants:

Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee)

Mahesh Sethuraman (@cornerd)

Kartikeya Date (@cricketingview)

Ashoka (ABVan)

*

Buy War Minus the Shooting by Mike Marqusee |

Buy Cricket Beyond the Bazaar by Mike Coward

*

Related:

• When Australia conquered the Final Frontier - 81allout podcast rewinds to 2004


• ‘It struck me that you can score 574, declare twice, and still lose a Test’ – Allan Border - 81allout podcast


• How Smith's grip is linked to tennis - Daniel Brettig - Sydney Morning Herald


• R Ashwin: 'I've always been good at assessing batsmen, but now I think I've taken it to another level' - Sidharth Monga interview - The Cricket Monthly


• Umesh Yadav's spell v Kerala in Krishnagiri - Hotstar (access on in India)


• How will Smith and Labuschagne bat against Ashwin and Co.? - Sridharan Sriram column - Indian Express