It's been nine months since the ball-tampering scandal but the mental scars from the fallout remain. With unconvincing shows post the fiasco, there seems no end to this. A four-Test series against India presents Cricket Australia another chance of redemption.
Australia have been on the receiving end on eight series out of nine played since the fiasco. From the board's top management to coach to former players, a lot of hooplas have been going around the new team philosophy or the way they should be playing the game. Off-the-field jargons aside, it's now time for the show to begin.
Looking into the abilities of the side, it is difficult to tell if they can come out victorious here, although they have high hopes from their three-pronged pace attack comprising Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
India good enough to win Test series on 12th attempt?
India have toured Australia eleven time and have come home empty on all occasions. Out of the 44 Tests played Down Under, they have won five but none on the last two visits, in 2014 and 2011.
A lot has been said about India's chances this time, with legendary Farokh Engineer predicting India to win 4-0. Given their recent away tours, they have promised but disappointed. Can Kohli & Co. deliver on its promise remains to be seen.
Based on the above, Australia are slightly ahead of India to win the first Test.