David Warner, Nathan Lyon and 5 Australian players to watch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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David Warner | Australia’s hopes of winning back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start from their first order where experienced batsman David Warner will open the innings. Warner recently returned to form with a brace against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The team will be hoping the hard-hitting batsman can channel all of his playing experience under Indian conditions over the four matches. If Warner is in the mood, he can take the game off the opposition in a flash. Although Warner’s test record in India was average, Indians can take Warner lightly at their peril. (Image: Reuters)

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Steve Smith | One of Australia’s greatest Test batsmen, Steve Smith, has prioritized winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over the Ashes. After Warner, Smith will be a critical batsman in the Australian batting order. When in good form, Smith has been known to produce “Bradmansque” shots. Smith’s ability to handle the spin will be crucial as there are rumors circulating that India could play up to four spinners in their playing XI. Warner and Smith will form the backbone of the Australian batting order . (Image: Reuters)

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cameron green | Cameron Green is the rising star of Australian cricket. At just 23 years old, Green has quickly become an all-format cricketer in an era where cricketers choose formats based on their specializations. The all-rounder has already won a million dollar Indian Premier League deal with the Mumbai Indians. Green can be a tough cookie to crack as he hit half a century of fighting against South Africa in his last Test outing despite injury. In the same game, he chose his first five for. Although there are doubts about Green’s involvement in the first test, but once he is fit he will surely be a vital cog in the team’s plans. (Image: Reuters)

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pat cummins | After picking up the ashes, Australian skipper Pat Cummins is on a mission to take the coveted Border-Gavaskar trophy back from the hands of the Indians. With his speedy bowling mates Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood absent at least from the first Test, Cummins will have the added responsibility of also leading an inexperienced pace attack. On pitches that are very unlikely to help fast bowlers, Cummins will have to bring his years of experience to picking the wickets. (Image: Reuters)

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Nathan Lyon | If the Indians are pinning their hopes on R Ashwin to weave a web around the Aussie batsmen, then Australia’s weapon on rotational pitches will be Nathan Lyon. “GOAT”, as Lyons are affectionately known to Australians, is Australia’s premier gatekeeper. Australia know that a lionhearted effort from their spinner will put them in a dominant position in the series. The spinners’ “Ashwin vs. Lyon” battle will be one of the most intriguing duels to watch in the series. (Image: Reuters)