Steve Smith's Australia remain the only team to challenge Virat Kohli's India in India!

[Hasan123]

England defeated comfortabley in the end just like they were in 2016. All touring teams since Kohli was captain have been beaten easily by India. Apart from Steve Smith Australia, who lost the series 2-1 in 2017. There was a great draw in there where Australia survived 100 overs to get a draw .

For me, Australia are the only team to challenge India in India under Kohli. I genuinely thought Australia could win that series when they won the first test. I never for a second beloved India would lose this series against England even when they went 1-0.

It's a shame Australia have not toured since 2017. It would be interesting to see if they could match this effort or if they would be beaten easily.

 

[Rana]

They need to overcome the challenge of Bangladesh in Bangladesh first.

 

[Hasan123]

They need to overcome the challenge of Bangladesh in Bangladesh first.

The thread has nothing to do with that. It's about challenging India in India. No one cares about winning in Bangladesh.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

What about Pakistan? You can't sideline them without even giving an opportunity to play against India in India.

 

[Ab Fan]

Very poor performance from England and Joe Root on turners.

Fab five:-

1. Virat Kohli
2. AB de Villiers
3. Steve Smith
4. Joe Root
5. Kane Williamson

 

[Hasan123]

What about Pakistan? You can't sideline them without even giving an opportunity to play against India in India.

Thread is about teams who have played in India. I don't think we would beat India in India tbh.

 

[Mesozoic]

What about Pakistan? You can't sideline them without even giving an opportunity to play against India in India.

Agree. Even Zimbabwe and Ireland should be given opportunities to play in India before sidelining them as a non-threat.

 

[Rana]

What about Pakistan? You can't sideline them without even giving an opportunity to play against India in India.

Pakistan might as well sink in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean I guess.

 

[street cricketer]

It was the only series when I genuinely thought we were going to lose the series after day 1 of 2nd test.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

This Indian team is not that great especially with the batting but the way their spinners bowl, you will need a Rest of World XI to beat them at home. Root, Smith and Williamson all in the same team to negate Indian spinners. Then two top spinners to take Indian wickets.

 

[mastimasti]

England defeated comfortabley in the end just like they were in 2016. All touring teams since Kohli was captain have been beaten easily by India. Apart from Steve Smith Australia, who lost the series 2-1 in 2017. There was a great draw in there where Australia survived 100 overs to get a draw .

For me, Australia are the only team to challenge India in India under Kohli. I genuinely thought Australia could win that series when they won the first test. I never for a second beloved India would lose this series against England even when they went 1-0.

It's a shame Australia have not toured since 2017. It would be interesting to see if they could match this effort or if they would be beaten easily.

Steve SSmith is not captain and in the last decade India have been beaten by England.

No grandstanding please, the WTC final may well be held outside of Asia against NZ.

 

[Hasan123]

It was the only series when I genuinely thought we were going to lose the series after day 1 of 2nd test.

I thought there was a chance that could happen. Steve Smith was unreal in that innings . Even Maxwell got a 100 in that series.

 

[Hasan123]

Steve SSmith is not captain and in the last decade India have been beaten by England.

No grandstanding please, the WTC final may well be held outside of Asia against NZ.

This thread is about Australia being the only team to challenge India at home under Kohli.

I genuinely have no clue what you are trying to say.

 

[BDfanforever]

Pak, SRL, Ban, Afg need to be as good as the SENA + WI teams to give some competion to IND. Asian competion is weak as hell.

 

[Rana]

This thread is about Australia being the only team to challenge India at home under Kohli.

I genuinely have no clue what you are trying to say.

Steve Smith's Australia? Care to explain?

 

[Rana]

Pak, SRL, Ban, Afg need to be as good as the SENA + WI teams to give some competion to IND. Asian competion is weak as hell.

Based on what?

 

[Hasan123]

Steve Smith's Australia? Care to explain?

The OP clearly says Steve Smith are the only team to challenge Virat Kohlis India in India. There is no mention of Bangladesh.

Why do you look for arguments no matter what I say ? I

 

[Ab Fan]

Steve Smith's Australia? Care to explain?

Paine is just a puppet.. The current Australian team is run by Langer and their success is dependent on two man- SS and PC.

 

[Rana]

The OP clearly says Steve Smith are the only team to challenge Virat Kohlis India in India. There is no mention of Bangladesh.

Why do you look for arguments no matter what I say ? I

You made a statement, and we are simply trying to digress the basis of it. What is the purpose of the thread if we are not allowed to question it?

 

[Rana]

Paine is just a puppet.. The current Australian team is run by Langer and their success is dependent on two man- SS and PC.

Ok, so you have clear inside information that this is true? Paine is a puppet and Smith plus Cummins are the ones running the show?

 

[Hasan123]

You made a statement, and we are simply trying to digress the basis of it. What is the purpose of the thread if we are not allowed to question it?

So which team has challenged India in India under Kohli lol? All teams apart from Australia have lost by 2/3 tests and some have not even won a game. You aren't debating anything. Your just looking for a debate that doesn't exist.

 

[The lone Ranger]

Steve Smith's Australia? Care to explain?

Who was captaining Australia when they played india in india last time?

 

[Extra_Cover]

I completely agree with OP. I agree Australia will be the biggest challenge to India in India when they tour next because of several reasons.

1. Downfall of Indian test batsmen - The Indian batting has been failing more often than not and is being redeemed by their lower order very frequently. Players like Pujara, Kohli, Rahane have failed consistently against spin and I expect this to falter further when Australia tours there.

2. Australia's youngsters - Australia has unearthed 2 world class talents in Pucovski and Green. These 2 have a massive future ahead of them and they are one who can actually make a difference in next tour under the shadow of Warner and Smith.

3. Australia's captaincy - Its expected that Paine would not be captain for long, its a matter of time that by time Paine loses his captaincy he would lose his place in test team too which means either Wade or Handscomb (part-timer) could keep wickets in test which would strengthen their batting lineup further.

Having said all the points above Australia is yet to discover a left arm finger spinner who can tilt the advantage in their favour. Aussies need a left arm spinner to deliver a result in India and at the moment they do not have this base covered. Ashton Agar and O'Keefe is not the answer.

 

[Ab Fan]

Ok, so you have clear inside information that this is true? Paine is a puppet and Smith plus Cummins are the ones running the show?

Langer is the one that runs the show and their win is dependent on Smith and Cummins, rest play support role. Paine is just a puppet.

 

[WengerOut]

OP is missing Misbah's Pakistan. Liverpool's PL win is infact phony because they dint have to face Misbah's Pakistan.

 

[Hasan123]

OP is missing Misbah's Pakistan. Liverpool's PL win is infact phony because they dint have to face Misbah's Pakistan.

Don't forget India number 1 ranking doesn't count because they didn't play Pakistan!

 

[The Viper]

Agreed. Australia put on a great fight, much better than England who flopped after the first Test.

Australia need Smith to replicate his performance from last time, but they also need a few more players to step up if they want to win in India. Labuschagne could be that player, but he is unproven in Asian conditions so far.

 

[deep82]

Also India double wins against Aus doesn't cont because Aus is too weak now!

 

[Shoaibbtt]

England defeated comfortabley in the end just like they were in 2016. All touring teams since Kohli was captain have been beaten easily by India. Apart from Steve Smith Australia, who lost the series 2-1 in 2017. There was a great draw in there where Australia survived 100 overs to get a draw .

For me, Australia are the only team to challenge India in India under Kohli. I genuinely thought Australia could win that series when they won the first test. I never for a second beloved India would lose this series against England even when they went 1-0.

It's a shame Australia have not toured since 2017. It would be interesting to see if they could match this effort or if they would be beaten easily.

Nah, Australia couldn’t even beat Pakistan in UAE, what chance do they have in India?

 

[Tubs]

Only because Pakistan can't tour India

 

[Rana]

Would love to see Fawad Alam bowl on these pitches,

forget Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali

 

[The lone Ranger]

Would love to see Babar azam face sundar on these Pitches

 

[Hasan123]

Nah, Australia couldn’t even beat Pakistan in UAE, what chance do they have in India?

Lol they lost to Pakistan in UAE with Smith and Cummins. Also Labuschange was not the player he is now.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Agree. Even Zimbabwe and Ireland should be given opportunities to play in India before sidelining them as a non-threat.

What are head to head records of India vs Zim, Ireland and India vs Pakistan?

 

[Rana]

Lol they lost to Pakistan in UAE with Smith and Cummins. Also Labuschange was not the player he is now.

They will lose again

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pakistan might as well sink in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean I guess.

It is unfair to discard opponents without even giving opportunity to especially those who have actually won matches against your team in the past. Some indian fans are full of arrogance and overconfidence here. These are the same guys who will leave the stadium in the middle of the inning when the going gets tough.

This is a serious debate. You can't compare spinners of England with Pakistan's on these pitches. Indian batting against spin isn't that good and this is where Pakistan can challenge Indian team.

 

[Rana]

It is unfair to discard opponents without even giving opportunity to especially those who have actually won matches against your team in the past. Some indian fans are full of arrogance and overconfidence here. These are the same guys who will leave the stadium in the middle of the inning when the going gets tough.

This is a serious debate. You can't compare spinners of England with Pakistan's on these pitches. Indian batting against spin isn't that good and this is where Pakistan can challenge Indian team.

Well tbf to a Pakistan we have been trying to change this so called “only team to challenge” stuff but GOI needs to give us a chance.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Well tbf to a Pakistan we have been trying to change this so called “only team to challenge” stuff but GOI needs to give us a chance.

There is only one way Ind and Pak can play against each other in test cricket again and that is when both teams reach the final of WTC.

 

[Rana]

There is only one way Ind and Pak can play against each other in test cricket again and that is when both teams reach the final of WTC.

But what if the WTC final in the next cycle is in the Narender Modi stadium?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

But what if the WTC final in the next cycle is in the Narender Modi stadium?

Icing on the cake.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Agree with this. One of the more closely fought series in India in the recent times.

 

[Devadwal]

But what if the WTC final in the next cycle is in the Narender Modi stadium?

If Next WTC final in india then definitely in Narendra Modi Stadium . Will be Epic when 100000 fans watching in the stadium .

 

[Mesozoic]

What are head to head records of India vs Zim, Ireland and India vs Pakistan?

Good point.


Zimbabwe won a series and drew twice against India in the 90s. So, they can win/draw a series of they play India now in 2021.

India Vs Ireland is 0-0 so both teams are on equal footing. Would be a close series..


Pakistan won and drew multiple series' against India some 15 years ago..so I think it'd be fair to say they'll surely replicate that now because as we all know cricket is played in history books.

You and I both certainly have a point. These teams should be given a chance first before getting discarded as being no real threats for India.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Good point.


Zimbabwe won a series and drew twice against India in the 90s. So, they can win/draw a series of they play India now in 2021.

India Vs Ireland is 0-0 so both teams are on equal footing. Would be a close series..


Pakistan won and drew multiple series' against India some 15 years ago..so I think it'd be fair to say they'll surely replicate that now because as we all know cricket is played in history books.

You and I both certainly have a point. These teams should be given a chance first before getting discarded as being no real threats for India.

Oh the arrogance and overconfidence. Why are you getting so defensive lol? I said do not discard Pakistan who reached the number 1 ranking(for a short period of time) in tests not too long ago. What's wrong in saying that their bowlers can trouble Indian batsman who were finding it tough to bat against Leach and Root of all spinners?

 

[Rohan]

What about Pakistan? You can't sideline them without even giving an opportunity to play against India in India.

No, that’s fine.

 

[Smbhayi]

So which team has challenged India in India under Kohli lol? All teams apart from Australia have lost by 2/3 tests and some have not even won a game. You aren't debating anything. Your just looking for a debate that doesn't exist.

He meant it's not Smith's Austin, it's Paine's Australian..

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

No, that’s fine.

That is fine only for fake fans but real cricket fans want to see India vs Pakistan.

 

[Zaz]

Pakistan would easily beat this indian team in india

 

[Hasan123]

Well tbf to a Pakistan we have been trying to change this so called “only team to challenge” stuff but GOI needs to give us a chance.

The thread is about teams who have played in India. It is not my fault that Pakistan have not played India. I can't bring them into this discussion when they have not played a test in India under Kohli.

 

[Mesozoic]

Oh the arrogance and overconfidence. Why are you getting so defensive lol? I said do not discard Pakistan who reached the number 1 ranking(for a short period of time) in tests not too long ago. What's wrong in saying that their bowlers can trouble Indian batsman who were finding it tough to bat against Leach and Root of all spinners?

What are you on about?Can't you see I'm actually agreeing with you here?

You certainly make a valid point that every team should be given an opportunity in India before being written off. Especially teams like zimbabwe and Pakistan, who have a proven track record of winning and drawing Test series against India. Also teams like Ireland, who are undefeated against India in test cricket.

Calling me defensive while you're getting insecure for no apparent reason...

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

What are you on about?Can't you see I'm actually agreeing with you here?

You certainly make a valid point that every team should be given an opportunity in India before being written off. Especially teams like zimbabwe and Pakistan, who have a proven track record of winning and drawing Test series against India. Also teams like Ireland, who are undefeated against India in test cricket.

Calling me defensive while you're getting insecure for no apparent reason...

When I was talking about India vs Pakistan you brought Zim and Ireland into discussion to sound clever and mock Pakistan but in reality it only showed how insecure you were getting lol. India and Pakistan both haven't beaten each other in the last 12-13 years or so in test cricket. Those who love cricket would definitely want to see that contest but those who are in a mood to show their arrogance and overconfidene will bring Zim, Ire and Afghanistan into discussion to feel good about themselves. Once you are over with your trolling do think about Pakistani spinners vs Indian batsman debate in India.

 

[Rana]

Would love to see Babar azam face sundar on these Pitches

I think SA were given an epic reality check when they also termed Pakistan a one man team. Faf du Plesis has retired from Test Cricket

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Oh the arrogance and overconfidence. Why are you getting so defensive lol? I said do not discard Pakistan who reached the number 1 ranking(for a short period of time) in tests not too long ago. What's wrong in saying that their bowlers can trouble Indian batsman who were finding it tough to bat against Leach and Root of all spinners?

Leach and Root are quick through the air and are quite accurate if you look at their pitch maps. Yasir was averaging 84 kph and does not have that kind of accuracy.

 

[Rana]

Leach and Root are quick through the air and are quite accurate if you look at their pitch maps. Yasir was averaging 84 kph and does not have that kind of accuracy.

Lol are we actually going to have a debate about Yasir Shah v Leach and Root in SC?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I think SA were given an epic reality check when they also termed Pakistan a one man team. Faf du Plesis has retired from Test Cricket

SA also got whitewashed in SL. Hardly a team that can be used as a benchmark for anything in cricket anymore

 

[Rana]

SA also got whitewashed in SL. Hardly a team that can be used as a benchmark for anything in cricket anymore

The point is, you don’t go around making statements like “easy to get on top of Pakistan without Babar’s runs”, and then getting mauled by Pakistan even though Babar failed 3/4 innings.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Lol are we actually going to have a debate about Yasir Shah v Leach and Root in SC?

It doesnt matter anyway lol. Good luck if you think Pakistan can even dream of winning test in India just because you get rag-tag teams like SA and SL at home.

 

[Rana]

It doesnt matter anyway lol. Good luck if you think Pakistan can even dream of winning test in India just because you get rag-tag teams like SA and SL at home.

Dream? We have won Tests in India whenever we have played them regularly. What is there to dream about?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

The point is, you don’t go around making statements like “easy to get on top of Pakistan without Babar’s runs”, and then getting mauled by Pakistan even though Babar failed 3/4 innings.

Who cares what Faf says. They were getting owned in BD of all places as early as 2015. No one in their right mind thought SA has a chance in Pakistan.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Dream? We have won Tests in India whenever we have played them regularly. What is there to dream about?

16 years ago. India used to drop test matches even if we didnt lose series a lot back then. Very different Indian sides who are ruthless and gave lost only 2 tests in 8 years. Not the same as playing in 2005.

 

[Rana]

16 years ago. India used to drop test matches even if we didnt lose series a lot back then. Very different Indian sides who are ruthless and gave lost only 2 tests in 8 years. Not the same as playing in 2005.

Alright, well then ask your government to put all of these speculations and myths to a rest and let this ‘ruthless’ Indian side play against Pakistan so that we can settle the score like real men.

None of this, “Australia are the best challengers....whilst Pakistan isn’t allowed to challenge” garbage

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Alright, well then ask your government to put all of these speculations and myths to a rest and let this ‘ruthless’ Indian side play against Pakistan so that we can settle the score like real men.

None of this, “Australia are the best challengers....whilst Pakistan isn’t allowed to challenge” garbage

But India has no need to prove itself . The challenge has been coming from Pakistanis in recent years. We have no score to settle with lower mid-table sides. Why would India go out of it's way to play Pakistan?

 

[Rohan]

That is fine only for fake fans but real cricket fans want to see India vs Pakistan.

Why do you always think you are the only one who loves test cricket. Let me tell you, loud and clear, posting much here or not, I am bigger fan of tests than you can ever dream of.

Now, why are you always try hard to please some special fans by belittling every achievement of team India and raising objections upon India’s achievements without missing a beat?

I am all for India vs Pakistan test matches. It’s not Kohli’s team’s faults and mind well, they are No. 1 right now with or without beating Pak (ranks in lower half at present).

 

[Mesozoic]

When I was talking about India vs Pakistan you brought Zim and Ireland into discussion to sound clever and mock Pakistan but in reality it only showed how insecure you were getting lol. India and Pakistan both haven't beaten each other in the last 12-13 years or so in test cricket. Those who love cricket would definitely want to see that contest but those who are in a mood to show their arrogance and overconfidene will bring Zim, Ire and Afghanistan into discussion to feel good about themselves. Once you are over with your trolling do think about Pakistani spinners vs Indian batsman debate in India.

Khud offended ho jao aur dusron ko insecure bolo wah... )

Anyways...yeah I'd love to see an Indo-Pak contest in test cricket. Just one 3 match series to set that H2H record straight.....

 

[Rana]

But India has no need to prove itself . The challenge has been coming from Pakistanis in recent years. We have no score to settle with lower mid-table sides. Why would India go out of it's way to play Pakistan?

I think you do

Phony number 1 side lol

 

[Rohan]

I think you do

Phony number 1 side lol

By that logic, Pak is phony 1992 WC winner as they could not beat India and considered themselves champion.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I think you do

Phony number 1 side lol

Pakistan are nowhere near the discussion for WTC final. If you had made it to the final. Would have been quite the final at Lords between India and Pakistan. Did BCCI prevent y'all from winning your matches in this cycle?

 

[Rana]

By that logic, Pak is phony 1992 WC winner as they could not beat India and considered themselves champion.

Check the level of debaters on this thread

Well done for actually playing us in 1992.

Also, England are Phony champions in 2019, NZ are Phony runners up. Both lost to Pak, Both thumped India.

Australia are half Phony champions in 1999, Pakistan beat them in the group stages.

 

[Rana]

Pakistan are nowhere near the discussion for WTC final. If you had made it to the final. Would have been quite the final at Lords between India and Pakistan. Did BCCI prevent y'all from winning your matches in this cycle?

Yeah let’s bring WTC now that the ICC rankings argument have been proven to Phony with India not ever playing Pakistan in the UAE or in India )

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Khud offended ho jao aur dusron ko insecure bolo wah... )

Anyways...yeah I'd love to see an Indo-Pak contest in test cricket. Just one 3 match series to set that H2H record straight.....

Why stop at one 3 match series though? We should have 3 series to settle the debate. One in India, one in Pakistan and one in a neutral venue.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Yeah let’s bring WTC now that the ICC rankings argument have been proven to Phony with India not ever playing Pakistan in the UAE or in India )

Lol. We just won 2 series in Australia in the last 2 years. That's the number of series you have won anywhere outside of Pakistan /UAE in the last 10 years. Loads to prove by beating Pakistan

 

[Rana]

Why stop at one 3 match series though? We should have 3 series to settle the debate. One in India, one in Pakistan and one in a neutral venue.

One in Narender Modi stadium please

 

[Rana]

Lol. We just won 2 series in Australia in the last 2 years. That's the number of series you have won anywhere outside of Pakistan /UAE in the last 10 years. Loads to prove by beating Pakistan

And well done for that. Still doesn’t explain how your batsmen have no idea of what the ball is doing in England and New Zealand?

 

[szrana007]

Lol. We just won 2 series in Australia in the last 2 years. That's the number of series you have won anywhere outside of Pakistan /UAE in the last 10 years. Loads to prove by beating Pakistan

Incorrect, Pakistan have won series in NZL,SL, WI and BD ( twice) in the last decade.

 

[pillionrider]

Would love to see Fawad Alam bowl on these pitches,

forget Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali

Forget that. Watching him take guard and then bat on these pitches vs Ashwin and Axar would be something no one would ever be able to unsee

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Why do you always think you are the only one who loves test cricket. Let me tell you, loud and clear, posting much here or not, I am bigger fan of tests than you can ever dream of.

Now, why are you always try hard to please some special fans by belittling every achievement of team India and raising objections upon India’s achievements without missing a beat?

I am all for India vs Pakistan test matches. It’s not Kohli’s team’s faults and mind well, they are No. 1 right now with or without beating Pak (ranks in lower half at present).

No you aren't. Stop fooling yourself and others.

You are all for Ind vs Pak test matches? Then in what context did you say "No, that's fine"?

 

[Mesozoic]

Pakistan are nowhere near the discussion for WTC final. If you had made it to the final. Would have been quite the final at Lords between India and Pakistan. Did BCCI prevent y'all from winning your matches in this cycle?

So lame and funny at the same time.

Do bhangra about India going "untested" against Pakistan...... And then see them finish top of the table while you end up somewhere in the middle after not winning a single away game...)

Absolute meme..

 

[Rana]

Forget that. Watching him take guard and then bat on these pitches vs Ashwin and Axar would be something no one would ever be able to unsee

But he will still battle hard...that’s what the guy does.

 

[pillionrider]

And since we're playing fantasy cricket, Pant would outdo Sehwag and give Yasir his first triple.

 

[Rohan]

No you aren't. Stop fooling yourself and others.

You are all for Ind vs Pak test matches? Then in what context did you say "No, that's fine"?

Ok, grandpa, so now you decide I’m a fan of tests or not.

BTW, how’s Pant’s success in TESTS doing for you?