Lyon likely to be at the heart of the action

First of four Tests
Sky Sports 2, 4am Thursday

India host Australia in a four-match Test series which starts at the Maharashtra Stadium in Pune and there looks to be little point in taking on the hosts, who are 1-5 to win the series.

India have played down talk of an unbeaten summer for the Test team but there is a distinct possibly that they could achieve the feat following 3-0 wins over both New Zealand and England.

Virat Kohli is a clever captain and a wonderful batsman, while spin twins Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja will cause the Aussie batsmen plenty of issues.

Australia will be hoping that their own tweaker can help them stay competitive and Nathan Lyon looks worth backing to top the bowling charts for the tourists.

The off-spinner enjoyed his first trip to India, taking 15 wickets in three Tests, and should play a significant hand once again with wickets tailored to suit spin.

David Warner and Matt Renshaw have combined well together at the top of the Aussie order and anyone looking for an interest in the first Test match should back the openers to reach 28 runs without losing a wicket with the pitch likely to deteriorate later in the contest.

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