Australia’s inability to cope against India ‘A’s spinners could cause problems in the upcoming Test series.
The Australians lost nine of their first innings’ wickets against India ‘A’ to spin bowlers. The duo of Rakesh Dhruv and Jalaj Saxena tore through the visitors’ top order, with Michael Clarke’s men only managing 235 all-out.
Dhruv was the pick of the bowlers, finishing the innings with figures of 5-51 and also highlighting that Australia’s spinners should have perhaps had more success on the Chennai pitch.
India’s humid conditions are recognised as the ideal climate for spin-bowlers to revel; as Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar found out, when they took 37 wickets between them during England’s four Tests in the country last month.
In-form Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha, will probably be relishing the prospect of attacking Australia’s top order after their performance against the ‘A’ team and once again, critics are casting doubts on the Aussies’ ability against spin.
Australian batsman Usman Khwaja, who scored 30 not out in the second innings of the match, was more positive about his side’s chances against the turning ball.
“The Indian spinners have a lot of pressure on them too because it is a turning wicket, they will be expected to take wickets,” he told Indian cricket website NDTV.
“The guys are really looking forward to the challenge.”
Despite Khwaja’s optimism, it was only Shane Watson who made any impact from the Australian batsman. He opened with Ed Cowan, due to the absence of David Warner with a thumb injury and scored two half-centuries, for a combined total 124 runs.
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