Agencies
Adelaide, Jan 25: Putting the disappointments and bowling debacles behind them, India will look to start afresh and play some ‘fearless cricket’ when they meet Australia in the first of the three-match T20 series here Tuesday.
Going by the recent records, the match is expected to be another run fest. However, more than the result or the runs scored, eyes will be on the three seniors of the Indian team – two of whom, Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra – are making a comeback after a long time.
The third, Suresh Raina, however, stated Monday that the side is looking for a winning start. “The ODI series is history for us now,” Raina told reporters after India’s training season. “We intend to play fearless cricket. “We are determined to be very positive on the field and we will try and dominate the Aussies. The first match is very important for us and a win would set us on the right track.”
Meanwhile team director Ravi Shastri, even while calling Yuvraj ‘a match-winner’ categorically stated that no one’s place is guaranteed in the side. “If we are looking for a particular combination that requires seniors, we will certainly play them,” Shastri said Monday. “We play a lot of T20 games till the World Cup in March and this is the right opportunity for everyone to prove themselves. No one is guaranteed a place, everyone will have to prove themselves.”
Raina meanwhile stated that fielding and the ability to bowl dot balls will decide the fate of the upcoming game. “Not only do we have to field well to restrict the opposition, we will also have to bowl a lot of dot balls. Then only we can stifle them,” asserted the left-hander.
Meanwhile, Aussie skipper Aaron finch said that his side has individual strategies in place for players like Raina and Yuvraj. “India have brought in lot of experience ahead of the T20 series. We were aware of that and have prepared accordingly,” stated Finch.
The Aussie skipper also warned that some new talents like Chris Lynn and Cameron Boyce in addition to the old warhorse Shane Watson, were ready to give India a run for their money. “We also have brought back experience in the form of Watto (Watson) and (Shaun) Tait. So I think we are both physically and mentally prepared for India has to offer,” informed Finch.
