STEVE SMITH v RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN
The ICC's official Test rankings suggest the main event of the series will pit the world's best batsman against the world's best bowler. The fascinating duel will start in Pune, the city that both players call home during the Indian Premier League. They may be T20 teammates but Ashwin gave little away last year, refusing to bowl offspin to Smith in the nets. Smith looked typically composed in a classy century during Australia's only tour game before the first Test - it will be interesting to see if he is still comfortable coming down the wicket to Ashwin.
MITCHELL STARC v VIRAT KOHLI Australia's entire attack will need to step up if the tourists are to somehow subdue India's skipper, who is clearly in the form of his life. Starc arguably looms as the most potent wicket-taking option in the squad, especially if he bowls as well as he did during a 3-0 loss in Sri Lanka last year. The left-armer's bounce and express pace is easier to negotiate on the subcontinent, but his swing and reverse-swing remains a tricky proposition.
MATTHEW WADE v WRIDDHIMAN SAHA Very much on the undercard, but both wicketkeepers will have a big say in whether Australia retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Wade returned home from this month's ODI tour of New Zealand because of back spasms but proved his fitness in last week's tour game. The stumper's runs could be the difference between the visitors building scoreboard pressure or not, while his keeping will influence India's quest for a monster total.
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