According to former coach Ravi Shastri, India has a “nose ahead” in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after taking advantage of Australia’s “brittle” top order in the Boxing Day Test.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace leader, is “almost single-handedly” to blame for the visitors’ ability to keep the series tied at one. Shastri said. Given the way the series is set up, I believe India would win. Any foreign team would accept a 1-1 draw, particularly because the matches are being played in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane.

“The ideal situation is to start Boxing Day with a 1-1 record. India has the upper hand, in my opinion,” Shastri told news.com.au. Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Marnus Labuschagne, who make up Australia’s top order, have failed to score against Bumrah. It has compelled them to bench rookie starter Nathan McSweeney and give debut to teenage wonder Sam Konstas.

It has been somewhat fragile. The top tier in this Australian lineup is very fragile, which is something I haven’t seen in a long time. India had taken advantage of it and still does, Shastri said. Mitchell Marsh, an all-rounder, has also had a difficult time scoring runs. Steve Smith, Labuschagne, Marsh, and Khawaja all had Test cricket averages below 30 in the previous year. According to Shastri, “That man (Bumrah) has almost single-handedly put India into that position and that India is 1-1 in the series.”

“Konstas is very refreshing, in my opinion. He is flamboyant and has flair. Test cricket, however, is Test cricket. He will improve his skills and become Australia’s future. Shastri believes that McSweeney’s dismissal after only three Test matches was regrettable.

“McSweeney was a really bad guy. Although he is a middle order batter, he put in the hard work. When the Australian team visits Sri Lanka, I see him going there to start again.However, I believe that adding Konstas was a wise decision since the Indian team needed someone who could lead the assault because the punches came out of nowhere.

After winning the previous two series in Australia, India now has the chance to join South Africa (2008/09, 2012/13, 2016/17), the West Indies (1984/85, 1988/89, 1992/93), and only three other visiting teams to win three straight series in Australia. “Very large. It’s been a while since any team did that. When Australia comes here, they bash sides. It would be exceptional if India wins three straight games.

However, they will need to play quality cricket. With the bowlers in particular, I think Australia will be a formidable opponent in this Test match. More than anything else, batting will be Australia’s biggest obstacle. India, in Shastri’s opinion, has gone to Australia determined to win.