India vs Australia | Hosts should not be underestimated, asserts Ian Chappell
Ian Chappell has backed under-pressure Tim Paine and the rest of the Australian squad to give the high-flying Indians a tough fight in the ongoing series against India on home soil in the next two months. Chappell adds that the warm-up game before the Test series will set the tone for the visitors.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell, who captained the national team between 1971 and 1975, has issued a caution to Virat Kohli & Co. ahead of a crucial period in the Indian team’s ongoing tour of Australia. Chappell warned the Indians that it would be a huge mistake to underestimate their opponents, despite the absence of star batsmen, Steven Smith and David Warner.
"No matter how depleted the Australian squad might be or how much chaos surrounds the national team, the players will give their all on the field. Many sides touring Australia have failed to observe the rule that should be etched on their boarding pass: try to win every game, especially those leading up to the first Test.
"Australia should not be underestimated: they have a top-class attack, headed by three excellent fast bowlers in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Patrick Cummins. As a result of three suspensions, Australia will field a depleted batting line-up, which means their bowlers will be even more determined to limit the opposition's scoring," Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
Australia managed to escape with a narrow four-run win courtesy of some heroics from all-rounder - Marcus Stoinis in the series opener in Brisbane while the second match at the MCG was abandoned due to heavy rains. With the Test series set to begin on December 6, Chappell also spoke about the importance of warm-up games for sides on tour in Australia. The 75-year old added that it was important for India to select the right bowlers in order to pressurise the already weak batting line-up of their opponents.
"In England the Indian fast bowlers had great success bowling on a fuller length to take advantage of the swing and seam on offer. That will work in Australia while there's some movement through the air or off the pitch, but when that disappears, the trick is to find a length that will still create opportunities.
"That's a lot to be achieved in one warm-up game, and hence the failure of most touring sides to upset their hosts. Nevertheless the best way for India to enter the first Test full of confidence is to do so on the back of a convincing warm-up win," Chappell added.
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