India captain Virat Kohli said his team was in a world of"hurt"after a stunning series-opening loss to Australia but is adamant they will rebound come the Boxing Day Test.
Familiarity had bred contempt in previous series between two of cricket's most powerful nations but after the extraordinary events of 2020 relations are much more cordial.
Tim Paine's team opted to give Virat Kohli the silent treatment two years ago,so how they handle the Indian master in the first Test in Adelaide will be a fascinating sub-plot.
His all-out aggressive approach embodies the new India and has helped him become game's premier player. But early in his career,there were fears Kohli's belligerent attitude would be a handicap.
Aaron Finch is in signficant doubt for Sunday's second Twenty20 international at the SCG but is awaiting the results of scans before a final decision is made.
After testing positive to COVID-19 in India,a key India team staffer had spent 24 days in a Sydney hotel room before his release to link up with the tourists.
The leg-spinner dropped a sitter to remove the Indian talisman,but hit back with crucial wickets as Australia comfortably defended a huge total in the first ODI in Sydney.
Australian captain Aaron Finch has revealed the philosophy his team must adopt if they are to tame the world's No.1 ODI batsman in Friday's series opener at the SCG.
Their blossoming friendship adds another layer to what will be one of the more intriguing duels of the summer.
The Indian great's record suggests you cannot fight a new battle with the same tactics and expect to win.
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli changes his batting style to suit his opponent.