Australia vs. India, 2024: Your ultimate guide to the much-anticipated First Test in Perth

One of the most highly anticipated Test series is almost here with India and Australia set to renew their rivalry in a five-Test series starting in Perth. Everything you need to know here.

India have arrived on Australian shores for a highly anticipated Test series against the home nation having been humiliated by New Zealand three-nil in their home country, but Australia is not without their issues ahead of the first Test in Perth.

Australia would appear favourites on the surface, but many question marks have been raised about their batting order – and the opening spot left vacant by David Warner – leading into the first Test of the five-match series. It appears South Australian captain Nathan McSweeney will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja, after the former sealed his spot playing for Australia A and India A in two crucial tour matches.

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Nathan McSweeney addresses the media ahead of the First Test. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

An under pressure India have been very guarded in their preparations, for the more than a week they have been in Perth, participating in some centre wicket practice at the WACA. Behind the team’s official shroud of silence – and late night fun involving e-scooters – there remains a mystery about how India will line up for the first Test.

However, as Newscorp’s Ben Horne reveals fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain the team and India may consider a fourth quick. And it appears veteran superstar Ravindra Jadeja could be a shock axing from the XI for the First Test.

India's Ravindra Jadeja could be a shock exclusion from India’s side for the First Test. Picture: Indranil Mukherjee/AFP.

The great Virat Kohli is one of the many Indian batters in a desperate search for form with former national coach Ravi Shastri believing he can find form by ‘getting in the face’ of the Australian team.

Jasprit Bumrah looks on during an India Test Squad training session at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Virat Kohli walks out from the nets during a training session at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

So how could each team line-up come this Friday at Perth’s Optus Stadium? Who is under the more pressure? India or Australia? How can I watch all the action of the First Test.

Everything you need to know about the First Test and more here.

When and where is the First Test being played?

22-26 November 2024. Perth’s Optus Stadium.

When does the match start?

The match starts this Friday, the 22nd of November, at the following starting times:

10.20am (AWST) in WA.

1.20pm (AEDT) in NSW, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania.

12.50pm (ACDT) in South Australia.

12.20pm (AEST) in Queensland.

11.50am (ACST) in the Northern Territory.

How to watch?

Live on Fox Cricket via Kayo and Foxtel. Can also be seen on Channel Seven.

Who is under more pressure? India or Australia?

After their recent loss to New Zealand at home, and ageing batting line-up, many would say it is India.

But Australian cricket legend Allan Border believes it is Australia under pressure this summer.

“The home side is because you’re playing (in front of a) home crowd. The expectations are higher when you’re playing at home that you’ll do well,” Border told this masthead at a Fox Cricket launch event, wrote Daniel Cherny.

Allan Border at the Fox Cricket launch. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

What are the odds of Australia beating India?

Australia is $1.42 with TAB to win the first Test in Perth. India are at $3.60 with the draw $13.00.

The hosts are $1.45 to win the five-match series with India at $3.85.

Predicted XIs?

Australia:

Usman Khawaja

Nathan McSweeney

Marnus Labuschagne

Steve Smith

Travis Head

Mitchell Marsh

Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)

Pat Cummins (captain)

Mitchell Starc

Nathan Lyon

Josh Hazlewood

Mitchell Marsh is tipped to take up the allrounder role left vacant by an injured Cam Green. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

India:

KL Rahul

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Devdutt Padikkal

Virat Kohli

Dhruv Jurel

Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)

R Ashwin

Harshit Rana (possible debutant)

Mohammed Siraj

Jasprit Bumrah (likely captain)

Prasidh Krishna

Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrates after reaching his double century against England earlier this year and averages nearly 60 in Test cricket. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Who will leave the biggest legacy when they retire? Steve Smith or Virat Kohli?

Some statistics to consider:

Have your say here.

Will Steve Smith or Virat Kohli leave the biggest legacy on cricket when they retire? Vote in the poll. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

What is the lowest score in India vs Australia Test series?

36. Australia bundled out the Indians for this total in the first Test of a four-match series during the Australian summer of 2020/21. Josh Hazlewood the pick of the bowlers with 5-8 from his five overs at Adelaide Oval.

Josh Hazelwood was on fire at the Adelaide Oval in 2020. Picture: Mark Brake – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images

How many times has India beaten Australia in Test series in Australia?

Twice. 2-1 in a four-Test series during 2020/21 and likewise 2-1 in 2022/23.

What is the win percentage of Australia in Test cricket?

An overall winning percentage of 47.58.

How many Tests have India won?

From 584 Test matches, India has won 180.

Which Indian batsman scored most against Australia?

During a career spanning more than two decades, Sachin Tendulkar scored 3,630 runs in 39 Test matches against Australia at an average of 55, including 11 centuries the highest of which was 241 not out at the SCG.

Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his double century at the SCG in 2004. Picture: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

Originally published as Australia vs. India, 2024: Your ultimate guide to the much-anticipated First Test in Perth