Former Australian cricketer-turned-TV commentator Dean Jones said that this would be India’s best chance to win against Australia Down Under, adding that they would never might win, if they don’t do it this time.
There has been a common line of thought that the Australians are a depleted side with the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner which in turn would provide India with their, “best” chance to win Down Under.
“If India don’t win this series, they will never win in Australia. India are miles better than Australia in all formats but do they have the belief, and will their fast bowlers last the distance?” he said, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.
Yet India’s poor overseas record didn’t stop Jones from tipping them to be the favourites in the four-match affair which gets underway on December 6 in Adelaide.
“With India’s history, maybe this series will not be a fait accompli. I do feel the result will go India’s way to the tune of a 2-0 or 3-0 result, as I just can’t see Australia winning a Test anywhere.
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“Normally when Australia play at home they are very hard to beat. But now there is no Steve Smith and David Warner, who consistently make 40 per cent of Australia’s runs. For Australia to win, who is going to fill those shoes?” questioned Jones.
The Australians have cut down on their sledging in recent times following the infamous ball-tampering scandal, which in turn has invited a lot of criticism. But Jones was of the view the Australians would be better off with not engaging in any kind of verbal barrage with Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
“Do not talk or provoke him. Make him your best mate,” was Jones’ advice to his countrymen.
Commenting on how to stop Kohli from scoring big runs, Jones opined,””Trying to find a weakness in Kohli’s game is like trying to find something wrong with the Mona Lisa. Teams must stop his cover drive and bowl in different areas.
“At the start of Kohli’s innings, quicks need to bowl at a fourth-stump line and make him play on the back foot. Do not give him width and length outside off-stump.
“Bowlers must try to set him up with short stuff first and then the odd wide ball on the drive to find the edge. Slips and gully stay on high alert.”