India vs Australia 2019: Matthew Hayden Defends Ambati Rayudu’s No. 4 Spot

May 29, 2019 at 7:22 PM

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India vs Australia 2019: Matthew Hayden Defends Ambati Rayudu’s No. 4 Spot

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden is somewhat taken by surprise as many have questioned Ambati Rayudu’s number four position in Team India. The Men in Blue has relied on too many experiments in the lead up to the ICC World Cup 2019. So much so, the team management has overlooked Rayudu for Mohali and Delhi ODI of India vs Australia 2019 series respectively.

India vs Australia 2019, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni
Dhoni’s experience will be important for Kohli in the UK. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

In his recent interview, Team India skipper Virat Kohli revealed they’re sure about their line-up. But subsequently, are unsure about the only spot.

“As a side, combination wise, we are pretty sorted. Maximum one change, you’ll get to see in the World Cup. As a side, we’re balanced. The XI is clear in our head. We just have to take better decisions in pressure situations to go far in the World Cup,” Kohli told in a presser.

It’s has been a long-standing issue with team middle-order coming under the scanner once again following a five-match ODI series loss 2-3 against visiting Australia.

With No.4 spot in need of an immediate solution ahead of the ODI showpiece, Kohli has avoided to point out that particular spot. But with many batsmen failing to shoulder responsibilities at number four it was pretty much clear that regarding what Kohli has indicated during the series decider at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi.

Earlier, head coach Ravi Shastri disclosed while stating they could use skipper at the particular spot for the quadrennial event.

As the spot was on offer for the batsmen, Rayudu’s introduction at the said position has gained much attention ahead of the twelfth edition of the World Cup.

However, the Australian southpaw Hayden believes Rayudu is the perfect option to solve the riddle.

Hayden’s man is Rayudu:

Ambati Rayudu, India vs Australia 2019
Rayudu has IPL to cement his spot. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Recently, Rayudu has scored 90 while playing against a top-bowling unit of New Zealand in their backyard.

“Rayudu is my man. I can’t believe India is even questioning that. For so long, he has been so good. I don’t know why they are questioning, maybe because you need to speak about something before the World Cup,” Hayden told IANS.

In 14 innings Rayudu has managed to attribute it with a solitary hundred apart from two half-centuries.

The 47-year-old Hayden admitted the fact that KL Rahul is a promising batsman. But again, the prolific run-getter believes his time will come as he sees him as the pure opener.

“I don’t see Rahul taking that slot as much as I admire him. His time will come. And if anything he is more of a stand-by opener for me as opposed to the number four slot,” Hayden said.

In the penultimate ODI against Australia at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Kohli demoted himself to bat at No.4 spot. Well, the inclusion of Rahul saw him batting at No.3 position.

Kohli himself managed to score seven before Alex Carey completed a simple catch on the bowling of Jhye Richardson.

On the other side, Rahul scored 31-ball 26. In the series-decider, Pant managed to score run-a-ball 16 on his promotion to No.4 spot.

With No.4 spot yet to be solved, there are a couple of contenders waiting in the wings including Shreyas Iyer.

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