Plenty for Australians to ponder as struggle against spin continues.
Australia’s tour of India got off to a slow start as they were dismissed for 241 on day one of their game against the Indian Board’s President XI.
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With Australia staggering the arrival of players, their XI picked itself.
With no Michael Clarke or Shane Watson captaining duties went to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.
Wade had spoken about the importance of batting long in these conditions so the Aussies can acclimatise to the Indian wickets and everyone got a chance to bat but no-one did for a prolonged period.
The top order was guilty of getting starts but failing to go on to convert them. Ed Cowan and Usman Khawaja are both in the line to play the first Test but giving their wickets away when well set here will do nothing to enhance their cases.
Glenn Maxwell hoping to secure a spot as an off-spinning all-rounder fell for a duck to do himself no favours and no other Australian made a score of note.
Of bigger concern to the tourists was the fact nine wickets fell to spin, unheard of Jammu and Kashmir bowler Parvez Rassol took 7-45 to open up the possibility of India producing ‘rank’ turners.
Despite the off day, opener Cowan seemed satisfied with the day’s efforts, he told ESPN cricinfo: “It was a pretty good day. Everyone had a good hit at the top of the order; the wicket was turning, so it was good practice against some really talented spin bowlers.”
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