LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Nathan Lyon of Australia appeals for the wicket of Jos Buttler of England during Day Three of the 5th Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on September 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off in less than 48 hours with both countries on top of their game and eager for a series win.

These are six players who will decide the outcome of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Will Ravi Ashwin's spin prove too much for the Australian batters or will Nathan Lyon's off-spinners get the better of the Indian middle order?

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1. Ravi Ashwin

Is there anyone who will have a bigger difference than Ravi Ashwin? The off-spinner is bound to have a field day against Australia's left-hand batters, having already claimed the scalp of 200 left-handers during his career.

Unplayable in his home country, Ashwin will play a decisive role in the outcome of the match. In his test career, he has taken 449 wickets at an average of 24.30. His bowling ability allows him to take multiple wickets during an inning and cause havoc to the opposition batters.

"If Ashwin is on fire, that might decide the outcome of the series. He is so world-class in most conditions but in Indian conditions, he is lethal," former India coach Ravi Shastri said.

"If the ball starts spinning and there is enough bite off the surface, he will trouble most batters."

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