Australia will take on India in a four-match Test series© AFP
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell believes that it will be extremely difficult for Pat Cummins and Co. to win the upcoming Test series against India, starting February 9. Chappell, in his column for ESPNCricinfo, wrote that Steve Smith is currently the only Australian batsman with an average above that. 30 on the Indian tracks and coupled with the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, the bowling threat from India could be overwhelming for the other batsmen.
“Smith, with 60, is the only Australia batsman on tour to average over 30 in India. Finding breakthroughs with the bat will be a big challenge for the Australian batsmen, especially if Ravindra Jadeja strikes a successful partnership with the highly skilful R Ashwin. Chappell wrote,
Chappell also had a warning for the Australian bowling attack, with the main responsibility being on spinner Nathan Lyon. He wrote that when it comes to the Indian batsmen, the visitors have to have a proper plan in place to ensure that the players do not lose any confidence.
“Then there is Australia’s spin department. Nathan Lyon is the only proven performer and even in India he averages over 30. While Lyon seems to have improved as a bowler in the sub-continent, his support comes from the likes of Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson, both of whom are unproven quantities.
“Australia need to drop any temptation to follow the principle of right-hander and left-hander and only choose the best bowlers for the conditions. What they have achieved in India should also reduce their faith in their fast bowlers. Australia’s “Big Three”, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, all average over 30 in India and will need to perform better with the older ball in particular to get better results in India,” he added. Explained.
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