Former Australia spinner Jason Krejza knows a thing or two about India. The off-spinner had made a bittersweet debut in India in 2008 when he took 12 wickets in a losing cause. However, he conceded 358 runs in the match and still holds the record of conceding more runs than anyone in their maiden Test.
And after almost 8 years, another Australia bowler has replicated Krejza’s wicket-tally albeit in a winning cause. Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe entered the record books after taking 12 for only 70 runs in the first of the four-match series against India as the visitors thrashed the hosts by 333 runs to go one up. O’Keefe was ably supported by his spin partner Nathan Lyon who took 5 wickets in the match.
But despite their sensational performance in Pune, Krejza feels that his compatriots will struggle to replicate a similar performance in the second Test which will be played in Bengaluru from March 4.
“The Australian spinners -Nathan and Steve -were very good (in the first Test) but the Indian batsmen were quite disappointing as well. Going forward, I do see wickets taking a turn, but it’s not going to be as bad as it was in Pune. I feel the wicket in Bengaluru will be a sporting one which will last for five days,” Krejza told Times of India on Monday (February 27).
“The duo’s impact will probably not be to the extent we saw in Pune. I think the spinners are going to be the key but on wickets such as the one in Bengaluru, the pacers will have a say as well,” he pointed out.
Krejza further said that the Aussie spinners would have to be patient to get the wickets.
“It’s going be a test of patience for the spinners when conditions won’t necessarily suit them. They both will have to set strong fields, bowl tight lines and be patient. There could be periods of play where our spinners would have to be a bit more defensive too. I don’t think they would get as much spin in the first 2-3 days (in the upcoming games). However, there would be assistance for them going into the 4th and 5th days,” he reasoned.
The former player, who played 2 Tests for Australia, also said that Monty Panesar’s inputs have played a role in Australia’s win. The England spinner, who had played a big role in England’s series win in India in 2012, was roped in by Australia as a spin bowling consultant prior to the series.
“I feel it is important to have someone who can guide you, and tell you what has to be done in Indian conditions. Monty has had success bowling in India and his inputs have come in handy,” said Krejza.