Former Australia vice-captain Brad Haddin can see this summer potentially ending up a “disaster” for the Indian team.
India won the 2018/19 Test series 2-1 in Australia but Haddin believes Justin Langer’s side is now much better equipped to take down Ravi Shastri’s third-ranked Test team.
Former wicketkeeper/batsman Haddin highlighted the Aussies batting order as being so much stronger now than it was 24 months ago with the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne back in the fold.
He also questioned India’s ability to cope with the Australia’s triumvirate of fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and spinner Nathan Lyon.
“It’s going to be an interesting series,” Haddin said on SEN Breakfast.
“We’re in a lot different position than we were last time when they beat us. We’ve got Steve Smith and obviously David Warner back.
“We’ve got Marnus who has come on the scene. His last 12 months has been amazing.
“I’m interested to see how they’re going to handle our three fast bowlers and Nathan Lyon.
“So if we start well, I can see it being a real disaster for India this summer.”
Haddin also feels the way Australia captain Tim Paine was able to deal with India’s Virat Kohli in the last series will hold him in good stead this time around.
“It’s just great theatre, Australia versus India,” he added.
“We know that the Indian team is top of the world. They play with a lot of emotion, that sometimes can spill over.
“I thought last series Tim Paine handled it well. I thought the way he took on Virat Kohli was a great sideshow to everyone (else).”
Kohli, of course, will depart Australia on paternity leave after the first Test and that could also bring about further problems for the visitors.
“One thing I think India can cover is with middle order batsmen, I think they’ll have enough,” Haddin said.
“But whether they’ll have the class to handle the world-class bowling attack, I’m not so sure about that.”
The first of the four-Test series is scheduled for December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.
The ODI series between Australia and India kicks off with a day-nighter this Friday at the SCG.