New Delhi, India

With little over two weeks to go for the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Australia captain Michael Clarke has questioned the Indian team’s mentality, starting mind games before the high-voltage series. India, having been defeated 0-3 in the Test series against New Zealand, will have an uphill task against Australia as they search for a series win. According to Clarke, India are tired, and there is a cause of fatigue as they enter the five-match Test series Down Under.

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Clarke plays mind games

"Take nothing away from New Zealand but It tells me India are so fatigued. Some of their shot selection, the use of bowlers and even Rohit to come out and say he wasn't at his best - just Think it was mental fatigue. They've played so much cricket without a break, but it'll be a little kick up the backside for them," Clarke said in Around the Wicket Podcast.

In the build-up to the Australia series, India lost to New Zealand, which has dented their chances of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final. India now sit second and have the Australia series, where they will have to win at least four matches to keep their fate in their own hands.

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The Indian team has been victorious in the last two visits to Australia and also won the Boxing Day Test in 2020. Rohit Sharma’s men will look to repeat the heroics as they look to take a giant step towards the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India-Australia series) Schedule

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1st Test: 22nd November to 26th November, Perth

2nd Test: 6th December to 10th December, Adelaide

3rd Test: 14th December to 18th December, Brisbane

4th Test: 26th December to 30th December, Melbourne

5th Test: 3rd January to 7th January, Sydney