Former Australian fast bowler Brendon Julian has boldly claimed that Australia could wrap up their first Test match against India within four days at Perth.

Julian, who represented Australia in the early 90s, recently shared his outlook on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener, predicting that Pat Cummins and the Australian team are primed to deliver a swift victory.

According to Julian, India’s current issues, including concerns about form and the potential unavailability of key players, place them at a disadvantage and strengthen Australia’s chances.

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How India’s challenges affect their performance in Australia Test at Perth?

With Rohit Sharma expected to miss the first Test, India’s captaincy falls to Jasprit Bumrah, a move Julian feels adds pressure on the star bowler. Leading the side while spearheading the bowling attack could be a tough adjustment for Bumrah. 

“The Aussies will clean up India in 4 days. There are worrying signs for India, straight at the top. Rohit Sharma is not playing the first Test; he has come out and said that. So Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side. Now that’s a lot of pressure when you’re the opening bowler,” he said on Fox Cricket.

Leading the side while spearheading the bowling attack could be a tough adjustment for Bumrah. 

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“He is a wonderful bowler; no doubt about that. But all of a sudden when you’re opening the bowling and captaining the side, that’s a whole different ball game,” he added.

Will Virat Kohli’s recent struggles continue against Australia?

Julian also pointed out Kohli’s inconsistent form, referencing his dismissals in the recent New Zealand series. He noted that Kohli hasn’t been “gelling with the captain probably and the coach” but acknowledged that Kohli could bounce back if he finds his rhythm early.

“The way that Virat Kohli got out against New Zealand – for him to get out like that in that Test series was unbelievable. Kohli is not at his best. He is not gelling with the captain probably and the coach but having said that, he can quickly turn it around. But if they start pulling in Perth, I reckon it’ll be all over,” said Julian.

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Will Nathan Lyon have the upper hand against Kohli?

Nathan Lyon, Australia’s experienced spinner, may play a key role in keeping Kohli’s scoring under control. Julian pointed out Kohli’s recent issues with spin, suggesting that Lyon would be keen to bowl to him on Perth’s bouncy pitch. 

“The thing with Virat Kohli is that I think he would rather bat in Australia. The way he batted against New Zealand in India, he was getting out to spinners. The nemesis for him would be Nathan Lyon. He’s got the wood over him, but he is going to enjoy the conditions,” said Julian.

Julian further acknowledged Kohli’s ability to adapt well to Australian pitches. He cautioned that if Kohli is allowed to settle in Perth’s pace-friendly conditions, he could pose a significant threat in the whole series.

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“Yes, Perth will be quick and bouncy. Yes, he has played against Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Hazelwood but I get the feeling that if he starts well, he is going to have a really good series. But you’ve got to get on him early. You can’t let him ease into his batting,” he added.