India has a good chance against depleted Australia - Srinath
With India’s away ODI and T20 series against Australia set to begin on January 12, former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath believes that given the hosts’ depleted bowling, this could be India’s opportunity to register their first-ever bilateral ODI and T20 series win between the two sides.
Australia’s bowling reserves seem depleted after the retirement of Mitchell Johnson and the injury to Mitchell Starc at the end of last year. The hosts have selected rookie pacers Scott Boland and Joel Paris along with Kane Richardson and Josh Hazlewood for the fast bowling duties. Javagal Srinath reckons that this serves an opportunity for the Indian team to register a victory over the World Champions.
"I look at this series as an opportunity. But you just can't depend on good rival players retiring or getting injured to win a series," the former India pacer told ToI on Thursday.
"You will still need to play good cricket overall. It could be a case of somebody else chipping in for the Aussies. That is the sporting culture that Australia has to offer. You'll see somebody putting his hand up and saying if it is not Starc then it is me. This could bring the best out of them. I don't know if it is right to think that just because the Aussie attack is a bit depleted, hence we have a good chance," reasoned Srinath.
Srinath also opined that playing at home venues gives an advantage to the Aussies even though they are inexperienced.
"It'll be a formidable task for the Indians. Even if they are not experienced enough, playing at home will give them the advantage as there will be bounce and pace. The ODI pitches may not be as challenging as the Test pitches but the Indians will have to play the cut and pull shot well to win the matches," he said, reported ToI.
On the return of Mohammed Shami, the former Indian spearhead feels that the Bengal bowler should have played more domestic matches before being picked.
"I am worried about his lack of match practice. I don't know if he's played any Ranji Trophy game but I feel he should have bowled good 30-35 overs in a couple of matches before heading to Australia. At least 18 overs an innings, and that is the kind of practice you need. However, he's playing in the ODIs and at this level you should be able to come back and hit your line and length," he said, reported ToI.
Shami has been out with a knee injury since the ICC 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where he picked up 17 wickets in 8 matches. Â