Pakistan are back playing Test cricket in their home country after a decade and they have the usual whipping boys, Sri Lanka, visiting them. That said, Pakistan have contested quite closely with Sri Lanka for the tag of whipping boys in recent times with their Australia sojourn a piece of pretty good evidence in this regard. Expect the crowd to throng in, although security officials could occupy half of the stadium. Sri Lanka have a full-fledged side returning to play Tests and we could see quite a contest.
Watch out for:
Yasir Shah - A Test hundred in Australia to his name, Yasir Shah can now well retire in peace but he will still need a memorable outing in Pakistan - where he is yet to play - to close curtains on a remarkable career. In Asia, Yasir's numbers are engrossing - 150 wickets in 22 Test matches show he is no pushover in these conditions at least. He also has 562 first-class wickets to go along with that.
Read | From top to no.7 in three years - the Pakistan Test rankings story
Kesrick and Kohli again
More than India vs West Indies, the spectators are eager to watch the Kesrick Williams vs Virat Kohli contest. After signing a cheque leaf for him in style at Hyderabad post slamming him for a six, Kohli had to eat his celebrations as Williams dismissed him at Thiruvananthapuram and silenced him with a finger to his lips gesture. There is only one more T20I in the series, and Williams isn't a part of the ODI squad, thus expect another surprise churning up.
Watch out for:
Virat Kohli - In rip-roaring form at home in all three formats, Virat Kohli is backed to write off Williams and a lot of other West Indies bowlers this week. He isn't one to take a jibe lightly and Williams' gesture would not have sat well with him. The Indian skipper averages 66 in T20Is in 2019 while striking at 138.46 and already has 4 fifties to his name.
Read | India vs West Indies 2nd T20I: Five things we learned
The Trans-Tasmanian rivalry
Australia and New Zealand play each other Down Under for a series that will also encompass the Boxing Day Test match. Contrary to the norm, New Zealand are higher ranked than the hosts as they head to their backyard for this Test series. The Kiwis haven't lost a Test series in quite a few years and will want to ensure they don't give that up to their taunty neighbours. All said and done, they haven't played too much away from home either and Australia will be banking on that record to disturb their southern neighbours.
Watch out for:
David Warner - The big-hitting Aussie batsman was in rip-roaring form in the series against Pakistan, making a record-breaking 335* in the pink ball Test at Adelaide. After a sour Ashes, Warner has come into his own at home in Australia, and will be expected to carry Australia's charge on the Black Caps this summer. The mixed luck in recent times for Warner is primarily due to his record away from home. In Australia though, he remains one of the best opening batters in the world.
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Feature image courtesy: AFP / Noah Seelam
