In terms of market value and popularity Border-Gavaskar trophy is the most sought out test series in recent times, more than the Ashes.. However unlike Ashes the surface is lopsided when Test matches is played in India. This is also the case in other part of sub-continent. Countries like UAE, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh have surface that has variable bounce from first hour of the test match. One can understand if test match is effected by weather, viz helping swing and seam. One cannot alter or control that, as the ball will move variably when there is cloud cover – and surface will remain fresh aiding bounce and speed… even the host have difficulty counter such condition. This usually happens in England and New Zealand.
I believe the curators in sub-continent prepares surface to please home teams, and the balance is far too tilted towards them.
Interestingly same is not the case when they limited over tournaments particularly in India. One would find the venues will have the flattest pitch, so much so that even non-regular batsman can score a fast 50. Here the balance is titled towards batsmen. India is the only country where there is a huge difference in type of pitches prepared for test cricket and limited overs cricket!.
The first Border-Gavaskar test match at Pun(similar to venues that South Africa played in 2015 here in India) is a rank turner with odd ball keeping low or bouncing high from good length. If the surface settles down and there is consistent bounce and spin than the match might last 5-days , but if it deteriorates rapidly than ICC should take a note and consider whether this venue is fit to hos test match in future. It surely is not an Int. standard.
Australia (1st inn)batting analysis
Below gfx is a brief snap shot batsmen's strength and weakness in their 1st inns. |  |
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