Ponting backs Khawaja to make the difference against India

The 43-year-old believes that the team that bats better across the four Tests are likely to clinch the series.

"Basically, it comes down to whichever team bats the best," Ponting told cricket.com.au. "Both fast-bowling attacks are good but I think our batsmen will play better against their quicks than their batters will play against ours.

"India need to get off to a really good start. If they get behind the eight-ball if those first two games then … they might fight back and win one Sydney or Melbourne, but it will be too late."

With 565 runs in seven innings, Khawaja is Australia's leading run-scorer this year. The left-hander struggled with form ahead of Australia's tour to the United Arab Emirates, but scored a gritty century in gruelling conditions in a thrilling draw against Pakistan.

"He's on top of his game, his record in Australia is outstanding. As much of a threat that the Indian fast bowlers might pose, I think he's got a game that can cope with it here in Australia," Ponting pointed out. "I'm going with him to be the leading run-scorer and Man of the Series.

"Right now he's in a really good place, the selectors backed him through that UAE tour, gave him a chance and he came out (better) on the other side of that. With the skill that he's got and maybe a bit more belief in his own game than ever before, I think he's got the perfect package to have a great summer."

The last time India toured Australia for a Test series, Virat Kohli was their leading run-scorer with 692 runs in six innings at an average of 86.50. He goes into the first Test in Adelaide as the No.1 on the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings for batsmen. Ponting believes that while the Indian skipper will score big in the series, Khawaja will top him.

"(Khawaja) will just pip Kohli. Kohli will play well I'm sure because he does everywhere he goes and had a great series against Australia last time," Ponting said. "Just where they're starting in Adelaide and Perth – if they leave something in them, Kohli is a bit more vulnerable in those conditions than Melbourne and Sydney.

"I'd love to see the pitches have a little bit in them because I think our batters will bat better against their (bowlers) with something in them than their (batters) will against ours. I'd like to see a little bit of grass left on them for the first two and then I think Australian can put the series to bed after two Tests."