Former Indian pace bowling great Javagal Srinath feels that the upcoming limited overs tour of Australia will be a stern test for the Indian side. As a result of losing key individuals to injury, Australia seems to be a little off track. Srinath however, has warned the Indians of any complacency and has said that even a deprived Australian outfit will challenge the men in blue.
“I look at this series as an opportunity. But you just can’t depend on good rival players retiring or getting injured to win a series,” said Srinath in an interview with TOI. The Indian batsmen mainly can breathe freely as Mitchell Starc, Australia’s pace spearhead has been ruled out of the entire tour. Swashbuckling opener David Warner too might miss out from a few games as he expects the birth of his second child during the ODI series.
“You will still need to play good cricket overall. It could be a case of somebody else chipping in for the Aussies. That is the sporting culture that Australia has to offer. You’ll see somebody putting his hand up and saying if it is not Starc then it is me. This could bring the best out of them. I don’t know if it is right to think that just because the Aussie attack is a bit depleted, hence we have a good chance,” Srinath added.
“It’ll be a formidable task for the Indians. Even if they are not experienced enough, playing at home will give them the advantage as there will be bounce and pace. The ODI pitches may not be as challenging as the Test pitches but the Indians will have to play the cut and pull shot well to win the matches,” said Srinath, about the Australian conditions.