The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be commencing in a few weeks and the Australians have started making plans to thwart the challenge of playing in the subcontinent. Former Australian skipper, Adam Gilchrist has advised Pat Cummins and co to be more circumspect instead of being over-aggressive.
Australia will be traveling to the subcontinent to lock horns with India in a decisive Test series with vital WTC points up for grabs. Although they are on the verge of qualifying for the final of the WTC, they will be wary of the challenge of playing in Indian conditions. The Australian selection committee has picked four specialist spinners for the upcoming tour in a bid to bolster their bowling options.
ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant Shares Special Praise For ‘Two Heroes’ For Saving Him During Car Accident
During a recent chat with Fox Sports, Adam Gilchrist said, “What we tried to change with our mentality back then – and I’d be interested to see if the Australians do it this time – is don’t go searching and just rolling spinners out there. Attack the stumps right from ball one.”
He further added, “Swallow your pride a bit, and be defensive to be aggressive… Start with one slip, start with a catching mid-wicket, put fielders out on the boundary to nullify the boundary option, but keep a couple of catchers in place – either at the short cover or short mid-wicket – and just be patient.”
The Australian icon gave a warning to Pat Cummins to not rely too much on youngsters and go with his trusted bowlers instead. Gilchrist reckoned that teams often try to introduce new players as mystery bowlers, which often backfires for the team as it is very difficult to adapt to the Indian conditions.
ALSO READ: Punjab Kings Ropes In Sunil Joshi As The Spin Bowling Coach
Adam Gilchrist elaborated, “So often teams go to India hoping to unveil some new spinner that’s going to come in and adapt and bedazzle in India — it doesn’t really happen. Pick your best four bowlers, run with them — and if that is three seamers who can all get really nice reserve swing and Nathan Lyon, who’s outstanding and clearly the best off-spinner we’ve ever had, can play his role — that’s my gut feeling. You do that, you go with it.”
