#IndiaInAustralia: Watson believes Australia enjoy a massive home advantage
What's the story
Australia and India are set to battle it out in a four-match Test series. Fans, as well as pundits, are looking forward to the battle of the greats. Further, several former Aussie cricketers have come out in public regarding their prediction about the series. After Ricky Ponting and Ian Chappell, now ex-Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson expressed his views about Virat Kohli-led Indian team.
Thoughts
Despite this being India's best chance, Aussies enjoy home advantage
Aussies look weakened due to the absence of Steven Smith and David Warner. They have always been a thorn for most of the opponents. According to a report in India Today, Watson feels even though this is India's best chance with the pair not participating, still the visitors will find things incredibly challenging on Australian soil. Watson feels Aussies enjoy an incredible home advantage.
Quote
Challenging for India to win away: Watson
"There is a massive home ground advantage for Australia. They haven't lost too many times in the history in Australia. So while there is no doubt this is India's best chance to win in Australia, it's still incredibly challenging to be able to win away."
Aussies
Indian pacers will test the Aussie batsmen
Watson also feels Indian pacers will provide a stern test for Aussie batsmen. "It can be a challenge but India have got one of the strongest bowling line-ups from a pace point of view. And some variety as well with JB who provides a different angle and different speed. So it will be a good test for the Aussie batsmen," Watson said.
Bowlers
Aussie bowlers will make things uneasy for India
The three fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will spell trouble for the Indian batsmen. The pace battery shined against England in the 2017-18 Ashes, where they picked 66 wickets between them across five Tests. Spinner Nathan Lyon has been impressive at home, as well. Therefore, India could find life indeed difficult Down Under.
Aussies
What other Aussies have gone on to claim?
Besides Watson, former coach John Buchanan too expressed his views. He predicted the hosts to keep Kohli quiet. Meanwhile, Aussie legends Ricky Ponting and Ian Chappell have predicted a series win for Australia. Punter predicted a 2-1 win for the hosts. Chappell feels India were below par in England and won't be able to win against Australia.