India to Miss Two Key Players in the Boxing Day Test Against Australia

Heading into the latest series of test matches against Australia, the Indian side was optimistic and even hoped to repeat the feat of defeating the Aussies at their home ground as they did in 2019.

However, things did not go well at all and India suffered a devastating loss in the first test match held in Adelaide. To make things worse, India not only put an abysmal batting performance, but they will also have to play without the services of two of the most impactful players on the team.

Missing Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami

One of the key talking points about the last test match was the fact that the Indian skipper and legendary batsman, Virat Kolhi, would not be available for any more matches in the series due to the upcoming birth of his first child.

While the team was prepared to play the next matches without the services of their skipper,  the Adelaide test also put Mohammed Shami out of commission as he suffered a wrist fracture. Considering the fact that Shami is one of the best bowlers worldwide and a vital part of India’s team, his lack of presence would definitely be felt in the remaining matches of the series.

With Kohli and Shami out for the next match and a team that just cannot seem to get a hold of playing in Australian conditions, the future of the series does indeed look bleak for the Indian side.

Bookmakers favouring Australia heavily

Royal Panda, one of the leading international casinos and sportsbooks operating in India, has odds favouring the Australian side. The current odds offer a 6-to-1 return if you bet on India winning.

Could India pull a miracle?

They are missing two key players and the odds are stacked completed against them but can the Indian side pull a miracle and manage to win the match and tie the series?

To be realistic, the answer seems to be no at this point, given that the performance of the team has been subpar even with Kohli and Shami on the field.

However, if there’s anything that cricket is about, it’s hope and passion. We’re definitely in for one great test match at Boxing Day in 2020, which isn’t the worst way to end the year.