New Delhi: Great players perform in the greatest stages, when their respective teams needed them the most.
In Test cricket, the series involving the two top-ranked teams rightly earns the greatest billing. And that series starts tomorrow in Pune, with India hosting Australia in a four-match series.
The lung opener is Pune is expected to be a classic affair with the both the sides boasting of match-winners galore.
But as the premise itself stated, such a grand stage needs heroes to rise and do what they best — win hearts, and helped their respective sides to victories.
When such stars confront, the match-ups ended up much more than the expected sartorial clashes, but platforms which catapult stars to legends.
There will be more than a couple of such battles which will decide the fate of the series. But the one everybody's expecting with bathed breath is the clash of Virat Kohli and Mitchell Starc.
The Indian captain has no doubt dominated every bowling attack in a glorious phase of his cricketing career, since taking over the captaincy reigns.
The 28-year-old has scored runs, led his side to victories and in the process, established himself the undisputed 'King'.
But, this time, he will face the brilliance of Mitchell Starc. The Aussie fast bowler is arguably the best pacer today.
It's a fact that spin, as usual, will play that pivotal role. But having a pacer of Starc's quality gives any side added advantage, and the Aussies will utilise the 27-year-old like a treasured superstar, against Kohli.
Interestingly, the bowler has opted out of the Indian Premier League auction so that he can focus on national duties.
When the two former Royal Challengers Bangalore players meet, expect some fireworks.
