Statistical Analysis: How the current Indian batsmen have fared in Australia

Recently, Shane Watson said that Indian batsmen will fare much better in Australia than what they have done in England. According to him, swinging conditions in England make it difficult for the batsmen to score runs while the conditions are slightly easier in Australia.

Australian series is not far away, it is just a few months away, which implies that one cannot expect much improvement in technique and temperament from the current Indian batsmen. Although Australian pitches do not aid swing bowling much, there is some disconcerting bounce on those pitches.

Let's see how current Indian batsmen have performed in Australia in the past. Also, let's compare their record in Australia with their performance in England to see what we can expect:

Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan struggled during the last tour of Australia

Dhawan has played 3 Test matches in Australia and scored 167 runs at an average of 27.83 without a century.

He has played 6 Test matches in England and scored 280 runs at an average of 23.33 without a century.

Looking at the above record it is hard to say that Dhawan has found Australian pitches any easier to play, maybe its time to look for an alternative to Dhawan, for the upcoming Australian series.

KL Rahul

Rahul has a century in Australia

Rahul has played 2 Test matches in Australia and scored 130 runs at an average of 32.50 with one century.

He has played 4 Test matches in England and scored 113 runs at an average of 14.12 without a century.

Although the sample size is not that large, looking at the above record it would be fair to say that Rahul has found Australian pitches easier to play. Rahul might sneak in another opportunity in Australia, but, that might well be his last if he fails to perform.

Murali Vijay

Vijay could well return to the side for the tour against Australia

Vijay has played 4 Test matches in Australia and scored 482 runs at an average of 60.25 with one century.

He has played 7 Test matches in England and scored 428 runs at an average of 30.57 with one century.

Vijay has certainly performed better in Australia. Considering the performances of other opening batsmen in the fray, it would be fair to give him another opportunity in Australia.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara will be looking to improve his record in Australia

Pujara has played 3 Test matches in Australia and scored 201 runs at an average of 33.50 without a century.

He has played 8 Test matches in England and scored 463 runs at an average of 30.86 with one century.

Though there is not much difference in his records in both the countries, Pujara has not set the stage on fire with his performances in Australia and England. This time around, he will be hoping to better his record in Australia and he has the game to do so.

Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane celebrating a century in Australia

Rahane has played 4 Test matches in Australia and scored 399 runs at an average of 57.00 with one century.

He has played 9 Test matches in England and scored 519 runs at an average of 30.52 with one century.

Rahane has performed way better in Australia. After a slightly disappointing outing in England, the series against Australia will be another opportunity for him to get back into the groove and put his Test career back on track.

Virat Kohli

Kohli batted with a lot of authority during the last Australian tour

Kohli has played 8 Test matches in Australia and scored 992 runs at an average of 62.00 with 5 centuries.

He has played 9 Test matches in England and scored 678 runs at an average of 37.66 with 2 centuries.

The less you say about Kohli the better because his record speaks for himself. His English average is on the lower side due to the disastrous tour of 2014, a record which he has set straight on the current English tour. Kohli is expected to put up another outstanding performance in Australia and improve his already impressive numbers.

Conclusion

It would be fair to say that the record of Indian batsmen is certainly better in Australia and that Shane Watson has a point. But, it will be important for the Indian batsmen to put the disappointment of a below average English series behind them and move on if they are to succeed in Australia.