The Story
India and Australia are all set to face each other in the upcoming limited overs series starting from 17th September. The month long tour consists of five ODIs, set to be played at Chennai, Kolkata, Indore, Bangalore and Nagpur along with three Twenty20 matches.
India, who are fresh from the 9-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka, is the automatic favorites to win. While Australia, on the other hand, is being looked as just “good enough” competitors and nothing more than that.
This perception ahead of the series, however, is not bothering the Australia as they keenly look forward to making full use of the experience of playing in the IPL and last year’s ICC World Twenty20.
James Faulkner Confident Of Aussies Success
James Faulkner, arguably the most important limited overs specialist in the squad, has stated that the upcoming series will be “test” of character for Australia, but they will surely count on the experience of playing in India to beat the in-form hosts at home.
“Most of the boys have played here in the IPL and T20 World Cup. So those experiences will help us,” Faulker said after the team’s training session at the M A Chidambaram Stadium here.
“They (India) have played a lot of one-day cricket in the recent past. They are in really good nick right now. It is going to be a test.”
“We are obviously looking forward to playing a warm-up game before the series starts. The conditions here in Chennai are tough, it is hot and sweating too much. The boys are eager to get out there and play some good cricket, it is going to be a good series. The last time we were here we had some good, tough cricket, so we are all excited,” Faulkner said.
“All the boys love playing here, the fans are so passionate about cricket. It has always been a good rivalry between India and Australia. I am looking forward to playing in India,” he added.
Faulkner has suggested that the side has the ‘X-factor’ that may help them prevail over India. Australia is currently in the mood to prove their worth in the sub continental conditions.
Their previous tour to India, which consisted of only 4 Tests, went 2-1 against their favor. Their most recent tour of Bangladesh, which culminated just a few days ago, also was a mixed bag of results as they drew level 1-1 after losing the opening Test.
“I suppose it is the variation and depth with both the bat and ball. I don’t know about the X-factor regarding myself. There are players with X-factors in both the teams and that is international cricket.
“My aim is to do as well as I can and play my part in these conditions which are different from back in Australia.”
“We have had two training sessions to get accustomed to the conditions. I am looking forward to the getting out there in the heat and bowling some variations and getting through the game with a solid performance,” he signed off