Storyline: The battle for the Border-Gavaskar trophy begins in the Punjab city of Mohali on Friday with just two Tests deciding whether hosts India can retain the prize they won comfortably back in 2008.

India is hosting the series ranked number one in the world and is unbeaten in a Test series since 2008. Australia is building for the Ashes and will hope to have a clearer indication of its best XI leading into the summer regardless of the result.

The broader storyline, however, is one of anything but Test cricket. Delhi's Commonwealth Games is a significant diversion while Indian fans are still revelling in Chennai's recent Champions League Twenty20 success in South Africa.

Australia's preparations have been overshadowed by football grand finals in Melbourne and Sydney, creating a subdued atmosphere in the build-up to what Steve Waugh, as captain, dubbed Australian cricket's "final frontier."

Why watch? Because there is likely to be a result. India has scored thumping victories in two of the past three Tests at the venue, with a third win denied only by the weather. Despite heavy rain in the build-up to the match, clear skies are forecast for the duration of play.

The recent rain means the wicket is greener than most in the sub-continent and should offer something to the new ball on the first morning. Consequently, Australian coach Tim Nielsen has indicated Australia will line up with their usual three-man pace attack in support of sole spinner, Nathan Hauritz, with Marcus North, Simon Katich and Michael Clarke providing back-up spin if required.

It's also worth watching for the quality of the Indian batting order. Gautam Gambhir averages 104 in Mohali while Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman all average above 55. This could also be the last Test series in which Australia faces Sachin Tendulkar. The Little Master will be approaching 39 the next time these sides are scheduled to meet.

Talking points: For Australia, the main talking point will be any changes to the line-up and the performance of players whose positions are under threat. The CLT20 exertions of Doug Bollinger and Mike Hussey meant they only arrived in India in the week leading into the match, suggesting late changes remain possible. If selected, North in particular will know he has to perform, probably with both ball as well as bat, to retain his place ahead of Steve Smith and possibly even Phil Hughes.

India has a huge doubt over Harbhajan Singh, the star spinner who has taken 70 wickets in 10 matches against Australia in India at an average of just 23. Harbhajan also has previous with the Australians; most famously his long-running spat with Andrew Symonds.

We think: The toss could turn out to be a good one to lose. Ricky Ponting will not want to bat last at all on this tour but with the wicket likely to offer something to Australia's pace attack early on the first day, this could be their best opportunity to take control of the game. With no wrist spinner in the side, much will depend on Hauritz to bowl long spells from one end and hope to be both attacking and economical against India's fearsome line-up.

Our tip: India's batting to prove too strong and win on the fifth day

TAB Sportsbet Odds
India $3.20, Australia $3.50, Draw $2.05