Australia’s Test record in Asia has been plunging into one low after another in the last couple of decades. Australia’s Test record in Asia has been plunging into one low after another in the last couple of decades.
Such has been their plight on the turning pitches of the subcontinent that even the all-conquering side led by the legendary Steve Waugh could not beat a young Indian team in 2001. A series win in India in 2004 provided some respite, but it was by no means a precursor of the miseries the Australians were going to face in the continent.
A 3-0 whitewash by a depleted Sri Lankan side last year exposed the team’s inability to adapt to conditions in Asia before a heroic performance in India earlier this year during which they also won a Test indicated a slight change in fortunes. However, all the good impression created by Steve Smith & Co. has evaporated after they were beaten by Bangladesh in the first Test at Dhaka last week.
Chasing 265, the visitors were looking destined to overhaul the target after David Warner’s 112-run knock propelled them to 158 for two. However, Warner’s dismissal changed the course of the game, and the tourists were bowled out for 244. The defeat was Australia’s first against Bangladesh, and with the second and final Test upcoming, Steve Smith & Co. would be desperate to turn the tables and avoid a humiliating whitewash.
So here we are taking a look at three tactics Australia should apply to tackle their spin woes and put up a good performance: