The upcoming five game gauntlet between arguably two of the greatest ODI sides of all time, India and Australia, promises to be a thrilling affair. The last two bilateral outings between these batting powerhouses have dished out extremely high scoring affairs, with games going down to the very end. This time around as well, things promise to be profusely close and thrilling.
Australia boasts of an array of batting stars, mainly in the form of their vice captain David Warner, whose numbers in the last 18 months have been beyond phenomenal. Warner was even ranked as the number one batsman for a short span of time and will hold the aces for his team in the series to follow.
According to former Australian skipper Michael Clarke, the Kangaroos must develop an individual approach to their ODI’s. Clarke is of the view that there must be clarity as to what is the role designated to individuals. For instance, should Warner look to bat throughout the innings or should go boom right from the very beginning.
“I think it’s time for the Australian team to really decide how they want to approach the 2019 World Cup,” said Clarke. “The likes of Smith, David Warner, they’ve got to work towards finding what is the right technique and style for these players.”
“Are they going to be an aggressive team? Will their top order go hard or will they try and consolidate for 50 overs and have wickets in hand? There’s still plenty of time before the World Cup, but the whole squad really needs to start now. The players need to identify their roles during this India series. Hopefully, they attain success and carry it forward into the Australian summer,” the 2015 World Cup winning captain further added.
Elaborating about Australia’s chances, he said:
“Their form over the last few months has been very inconsistent. They haven’t played as much cricket as they would have liked. The Australian fans expect Australia to be at the top of the tree, to be No. 1 in the world, and if we can beat India, I think 4-1, and then we will get there. It’s a great chance for Smith to get their form going.”