New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravi Shastri, instrumental figures in India’s last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumphs in Australia, firmly believe that the hosts’ won’t underestimate the visiting side in the upcoming five-match series beginning in Perth on Friday.
India head into the highly anticipated series against Australia after suffering a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand, their first home series loss in 12 years. To qualify for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year, India need to secure at least four victories in Australia.
“I would say that Aussies wouldn’t be taking us lightly for sure. Even if you look at some of their press conference, some of the players, the way they have spoken, although they know that we have lost against New Zealand 3-0. But the kind of statements which they are making, they are not considering India as a team which can’t win there.”
“So, we still can win there and they are aware about that fact because of the last two series which we had there. So, I am sure they will just try and focus on playing good cricket rather than thinking about there is an inexperienced side or there is not much experience or the team hasn’t done well in India,” said Pujara while replying to an IANS query in the Star Sports Press Room show on Thursday.
Pujara, a key figure as a number three batter in India’s 2-1 victories in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020/21, believes the upcoming series presents a valuable opportunity for emerging players to showcase their Test cricket skills in challenging conditions.
“But these are the different conditions. The (new) guys, whoever have come in the team, there is lot of potential out there. Obviously, there is not enough experience. But at the same time, as everyone is talking about, there is a big opportunity to know and prove yourself as a Test cricketer. This is the best opportunity one can get. So, I am sure that Aussies are aware about that fact and they wouldn’t be taking us lightly.”
Shastri, India’s coach during their last two series victories in Australia, agreed with Pujara, adding that the respect shown by Australia towards India has been noticeably different.
“I absolutely concur with what Puji (Pujara) is saying, because one thing is very clear that this Australian team will never underestimate India. No matter what team that’s won out there, they will not underestimate India in any way.”
“They will be quietly confident but they will leave it at that. They won’t let that confidence go anywhere higher, and they will take it one day at a time. They will be desperate to win the series.”
“So, when you’ve lost twice in your own country, you have not had your hands on the Border-Gavaskar trophy for close to 10 years, that desperation will come. The respect they have for the Indian team, that’s like how Puji mentioned, you can hear it in their press conferences, and it’s a different respect.”
After Perth, the remaining four Test matches between India and Australia will be played in Adelaide (pink-ball match), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. This will mark the first five-match Test series between India and Australia since the 1991/92 season.
–IANS
nr/hs
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
