Former Australian head coach Justin Langer has opined that India is the hardest country to play Test cricket, but Australia has managed to build a well-balanced side and they can beat the team under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma to script history this time. Australia, which will play a 4-match Test series in India in February and March, has not won a Test series on Indian soil since 2004. The last Australian skipper to win a Test series in India was Adam Gilchrist.
Prior to that, Bill Lawry had achieved the feat in 1969. When asked if he regretted not being a part of the touring party, Justin Langer said he has moved on but is still eager to see Australia conquer India in India. The 52-year-old was a member of Australia’s series victory in 2004 and reckons the same way about the current squad.
Rohit Sharma will lead an experienced India squad in an all-important #WTC23 series against Australia next month 📑 pic.twitter.com/L0rpZMuYl3
— ICC (@ICC) January 14, 2023
During a recent chat with The Age, Justin Langer said, “It’s not sadness, I’ve moved on. I won’t be there, but I’ll be looking forward to seeing the boys win there. It’d be great if they could. I can’t wait to watch it. It’s the hardest tour. I look back to 2004 when Australia won for the first time in 35 years, it has a similar feel about it.”
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Langer also stated that Australia has managed to create a pretty balanced team with plenty of experience in the top four, as well as a dynamic middle-order batter in Travis Head and a potent fast-bowling attack.
Elaborating the same, Justin Langer said, “It was a very balanced and confident team. The current team are winning and I think they’re a huge chance to beat India. That was my Mt Everest tour. I always said I wanted to be able to do it again because it was so hard to do. Australia has two senior pros at the top. They’ve got No.3 and No.4, averaging 60 and they’re best mates.”
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He further added, “They’re hungry and they play spin well. Travis Head is batting at a different level. He’s been inspired by that top four. Cameron Green will hopefully come back in, which gives really good balance. You’ve got the best fast bowling attack in the world and you’ve got the best spinner in the world. My gosh, they have an incredibly well-balanced team.”
