The Story
Australia is barely a couple of days away from taking on India in the limited-overs series starting with the first ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. This upcoming series will be a sort extended version of the great contests which were witnessed early this year during the Border – Gavaskar series.
As usual, Australia has started with the mind games, pointing out at the flaw of their opposition while speaking about their strengths. Their analysis of the Indian side, which is touted as the favourites, is pretty much clear minded as of now. They simply feel the absence of a couple of star players in the Kohli – led side balances the equation between both the side.
Less Challenges
Australia has claimed that the Shikhar Dhawan pulling out of the first three matches will benefit their cause greatly, as India will be left without its much preserved and successful “left – right” combination. Dhawan pulled out of the ODI series due to personal reasons.
“Shikhar is in good form, so him not playing is a positive for us,” Australian spinning all-rounder Ashton Agar said at a press conference in Chennai on Friday.
The top order will see some shuffling as a result of Dhawan’s pull out. The decision regarding Rohit Sharma’s batting partner is expected to be last minute. Therefore, there is an element of suspense related to the opening combination with which India might kick off their proceedings.
“Yes, it (left-right combination) can make things hard. In that case, ball swings in a particular direction, making things difficult for the fielding team. So now, (with Shikhar’s absence) it is a bit advantage for us. We have to go there for the best and see what combination they set,” Agar said.
The Aussies will also bank upon their spinners – Aston Agar and Adam Zampa – to make an impact. The practice game at the Chepauk showed a great hint of turn, but it remains unpredictable how the pitch will react on match day.
“It all depends on the wicket. Adam (Zampa) obviously is the frontline spinner in the squad, and he has bowled really in these conditions in the IPL and previous tours. It’s obvious that he will start,” Agar said, adding: “If the wicket remains (good), I think there might be a chance (for me).”