Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Dinesh Karthik feels Australia will have the upper hand in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy. India has savored success on the last two tours of Australia and Rohit Sharma’s team will be motivated to replicate the same success.

On the other hand, Australia is always a force to reckon with, especially while playing in their home conditions. The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc is one of the best in the world and Nathan Lyon is also lethal on bouncy pitches.

The home team will not have the services of David Warner but they have a potent batting unit in Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Cameron Green.

Dinesh Karthik said on HeyCB with DK Show, “I can’t tell the exact score line, but I do think Australia have the upper hand. It’s going to be very hard for India to beat them on Australian shores for the third time on the bounce. It’s no easy task. But if India do it, it will be one of the greatest things the Indian cricket team has ever achieved, no doubt about it.”

Meanwhile, Australia won the World Test Championship in the previous edition after beating India in the final and Karthik reckons it was not by chance that Pat Cummins-led team won the WTC.

“The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a challenge for India. They will face an in-form Australian side. It’s not by chance they won the World Test Championship last time. They are an excellent team at home. But knowing our team, and the kind of resilience, grit, and determination that our players have, it will be a series that will be wonderful to watch.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.