‘Serious wounds opened up’

Before the Test Series began, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting predicted a 2-1 series win to the hosts. But having witnessed India's capitulation in Adelaide the Test great says a series sweep could be on the cards.

"Now there's some serious wounds opened up," Ponting told cricket.com.au.

"There could be a good chance (of a sweep). Let's hope we do get a result in Melbourne and if we do, I think India's going to find it really hard to bounce back and win a game."

If India are to bounce back they will have to do it without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli, who now heads home for the birth of his first child while his teammates head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane.

Meanwhile, Australia paceman Pat Cummins said that he was hoping for another good track when the teams meet again in the second Test in Melbourne on December 26.