5 key battles to look forward to in the Australia-India Test series

Test matches between India and Australia have always provided the cricket-loving public of both countries with some riveting contests. Presence of some iconic players in both teams over the years has facilitated that and resulted in some fascinating rivalries, the most notable perhaps being Sachin Tendulkar vs Shane Warne.The upcoming Test series between the two countries vying for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting in Brisbane on December 4, also promises some mouth-watering contests between individuals who will be key to their side’s chances of winning the 4-match series. Here's a look at 5 battles that one could look forward to in the Test series:

#5 Steve Smith vs Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravindra Jadeja endured a poor Test series in England, so one could expect Ravichandran Ashwin to feature in the playing XI for the upcoming Tests. His overseas record isn't great, but he does have a chance to correct that when faces up to the Australian batsmen. One of the reasons why the 28-year-old performed so well against Australia in the 2013 home series was that he was looking to get his wickets of the off-break and was using his carrom ball only sparingly.

While the Australian pitches won't offer him as much help as the ones back home, there will be bounce on offer and one can expect him to get wickets.

Among the current group of Australian batsmen, Steve Smith seems to be someone who can handle the turning ball well. He showed it last year against India in the subcontinent when he used his feet down the pitch brilliantly to neutralize the Indian spinners.  

With the New South Welshman never being shy of attacking the spinner right from the outset of his innings, it will be interesting to see how Ashwin bowls to him.