Australia batting star David Warner has insisted his team will take heart from England’s recent series against India, when they travel to India for a four-match Test series, starting in February.
Alastair Cook’s side lost the five-match series 4-0 but had the hosts in a spot of bother on several occasions especially during the first Test in Rajkot, when India were in danger of losing the game before a defying innings from Virat Kohli ensured a draw.
Meanwhile, the team from Down Under have endured a torrid time in the sub-continent in the last decade and so, having lost 13 of the 17 Test matches they’ve played in Asia since 2006.
The last time they visited India, they were thrashed 4-0 by Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men but Warner said his team will not make excuses when playing against the World No. 1 Test side. Steven Smith’s men are currently brimming with confidence after blanking Pakistan 3-0 in the recently concluded Test series.
Speaking to cricket.com.au, the left-handed batsman said:“We just saw the recent series with England and to be brutally honest they played very well. They batted deep, they got big runs on the board. India just got bigger runs on the board.
“So for us as a team to take some positives out of that … the challenge is to try and bat longer periods. We’re going to have to take 20 wickets to win the game, simple as that, and we’re going to have to adapt straight away. No excuses. Whether it’s batting or bowling and taking catches in the field, we’ve got to be on from ball one and have a plan B if plan A doesn’t work,” he added.
Before the series against India, the Australian team will attend a pre-tour training camp in Dubai as they look to improve their dismal track record in Asia. With conditions in Dubai similar to that of India, Warner hopes this time they’ll get the much-needed practice before the tough series.
He said: “The preparation there is going to be fantastic. The wickets are going to be very similar to what we’ll face. We’re very grateful for that to happen. “That’s the best way for us … to get over there and get ready for India.”
The four-match Test series starts from February 23 in Pune.