Without beating around the bush, former Australian captain and two-times World Cup winning captain Ricky Ponting has bluntly admitted that the Kangaroos will struggle on Indian shores in their upcoming tour. Keeping in mind Australia’s dismal record in the subcontinent, Ponting didn’t hesitate to state that Australian fans shouldn’t expect the team to win in India, but should be content if they put up a fighting display.
Among all nations they have played in since the last decade, Australia’s record in India has been atrocious. Ponting, considered among the most successful captains in the game himself endured a tough phase in India as he faced series defeats in 2008 and 2010 against a strong Indian line-up.
Australia’s previous outing in India doesn’t inspire any confidence either, as the visitors were massacred 4-0 by the MS Dhoni-led Indian side. This present Indian team, led by the dynamic Virat Kohli looks far more lethal and could well bulldoze Australia in the time to come.
“I think they’ll struggle. Every team that goes there struggles,”
Ponting said in his chat with Sky Sports.
“It’s become harder and harder for visiting teams. They’re probably making wickets to suit them more than ever before. Even looking at what happened in Sri Lanka, whenever the Australian team tours the subcontinent, you’re guaranteed the wicket’s going to turn on day one of the game.”
The Tasmanian added that Australia’s first goal should be to put forward a fighting performance before thinking about winning.
“Unlike what happened in Sri Lanka, as long as they can find a way to be really competitive through the Test series. I don’t think it’ll be that big a deal if Australia loses,”
he said.
“It’s a really learning curve for our guys to find a balance between playing the Australian way, the Australian style, and adapting that to Indian conditions,”
Ponting concluded.