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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Australia coach John Buchanan has weighed in on India's chances of achieving a historic third consecutive Test series win Down Under. According to Buchanan, India's success will largely hinge on the performance of their batting lineup, featuring seasoned stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, against Australia's formidable pace attack.

India's upcoming tour of Australia includes a five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, marking the first such series since the 1991-92 season. The much-anticipated series is set to commence on November 22 at Perth's WACA, renowned for its fast and bouncy pitch. Buchanan, who guided Australia during their dominant run in the early 2000s, acknowledged that both teams have a blend of aging players, but he believes this won't diminish the series' competitiveness.

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"Australia, since their last loss to India, boasts a strong pace attack bolstered by Nathan Lyon and all-rounders like Cameron Green or Mitch Marsh," Buchanan stated at the launch of the 'Ready Steady Go Kids' program at CP Goenka International School. "This makes for a very potent bowling unit. India's top order, including players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and possibly Shreyas Iyer, must bat exceptionally well to post competitive scores. Their bowlers, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, can only capitalize if the batsmen set the tone."

While India secured victories in their last two Test tours of Australia, Buchanan suggests that the psychological edge may not carry forward into this series. "Past wins were significant, but with key contributors like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane unlikely to tour, the current squad's context is different," he explained. "Both teams feature players at pivotal career stages, so past encounters will have limited influence."

Buchanan emphasized that India's success will depend on their ability to bat for extended periods, a strategy that Cheteshwar Pujara executed effectively in India's previous series wins. During the 2018-19 tour, Pujara faced 1,258 balls, wearing down the Australian attack. In the subsequent series, he faced 928 deliveries, playing a crucial role in India's triumph.

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"Australia's strength at home stems from their solid batting and familiarity with local conditions," Buchanan noted. "Their bowling lineup, comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Lyon, is one of the best all-round attacks in the world. However, the demands of a five-Test series could challenge their physical endurance. If India can not only bat well but sustain long innings, they might exploit this factor to their advantage."

Buchanan also highlighted the challenge of limited preparation time for touring teams, which could hinder India's performance. The visitors are set to play only a two-day pink-ball match against the Prime Minister's XI on November 30 and December 1 before the day-night Test, which may not provide sufficient acclimatization to Australian conditions.

"Australia will enter the series as favorites," Buchanan remarked. "Touring teams today face difficulties due to inadequate preparation, lacking multiple warm-up games before the first Test, especially at venues like Perth that feature fast, bouncy pitches."

Buchanan also commented on Steve Smith's potential role as an opener for Australia, advising against the move. "Personally, I don't think Smith should open; he's established at No. 4. However, the ultimate decision will rest with the selectors, captain, and Smith himself," he concluded.