India vs Australia: ‘Our fab 5 can beat Aussies in their own den’, Shastri confident about Test series win | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

India vs Australia: ‘Our fab 5 can beat Aussies in their own den’, Shastri confident about Test series win

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com
Nov 23, 2020 04:00 PM IST

The Indian head coach is pretty much confident about the pace battery. He believes that the five pacers named in the squad are very capable of producing sparkling cricket.

Virat Kohli & Co scripted history when they last visited Australia for the series Down Under. In the 2018-19 season, India won the 4-match Test series 2-1 and Kohli became the first Asian captain to beat Aussies in their own backyard.

Indian head coach Ravi Shastri(Twitter)
Indian head coach Ravi Shastri(Twitter)

Two years down the line, the Indian contingent is once again in the Kangaroo land aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. However, this time the scenarios are completely different – strict COVID-19 SoPs, regulations of the bio-bubble and more importantly, the absence of Virat Kohli from the last three Tests.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

ALSO READ | ‘Up there as our best T20 batsman’: Former players pick India’s keeper for limited-overs cricket | Exclusive

While it’s being speculated that the tour won’t be easy for the Indians without Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri has dismissed any suggestions regarding the team feeling any pressures.

“Where’s the pressure? We have come here and are going to play our natural game. I have told the boys to respect the terrain and the opponents but play fearless cricket,” Shastri told Sportstar in a conversation.

The Indian head coach is pretty much confident about the pace battery. He is aware of the fact that the participation of Ishant Sharma in the Test series is doubtful due to his injury. However, he believes that the five pacers named in the squad are very capable of producing sparkling cricket.

“We have a fabulous five – (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, Umesh (Yadav) and Navdeep Saini. Yadav has the experience. Saini is young and fast. Bumrah one of the best in business. Shami is raring to go. Siraj is an exciting prospect. You put up runs on the board and watch these fast bowlers hunt the opposition. They can beat Australia in their own den,” said Shastri.

ALSO READ | India vs Australia: ‘These moments don’t come again’ - India head coach Ravi Shastri backs Virat Kohli’s decision to take paternity leave

The Test series begins from December 17 in Adelaide. The first game is a day-night affair. Team India has the least experience of the same but Shastri wants his boys ‘to go and enjoy their game.’

“Our boys have not played much of pink-ball in domestic cricket, but I just want them to go and enjoy their game. What matters is that they will be having some match fitness for the white-ball cricket and they now have to show if they have the will to adapt. Gain experience from here because god willing there won’t be a situation like this again. This challenge of the pandemic and quarantine,” said Shastri.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On