Gilchrist said Australia can repeat the magic of 2004 Test series win in India
Former Australia captain Adam Gilchrist is confident that the Pat Cummins-led side can win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 19 years in India if they field three pacers along with spinner Nathan Lyon. Former wicket-keeper batsman Gilchrist, who was Australia’s stand-in captain during the 2004 series, said experimenting with new spinners in sub-continent conditions has never been beneficial and Cummins should refrain from doing so. Australia has won just one Test series in India since 1969.
Gilchrist told ‘Fox Sports’ on Tuesday, “I think they will be able to do it (winning the series). I think they have got a team and playing XI that have a lot in common with the 2004 team. Most teams go to India with the hope that they will bring in a new spinner who will adjust and play in India. Will surprise everyone but it doesn’t happen. Gilchrist feels Australia should rely on their best four bowlers. He said that highly experienced fast bowlers should have no problem in reverse swinging the ball.
“Pick your best four bowlers – and if it’s three fast bowlers who can get really good reverse swing and Nathan Lyon, who’s obviously the best off-spinner we’ve ever had, he’ll play his part,” he said. Can perform Australia’s most experienced fast bowler currently, 32-year-old Mitchell Starc is recovering from a finger injury on his bowling hand and is likely to be ruled out of the first Test in Nagpur.
All-rounder Cameron Green also suffered a fracture in his finger after which he underwent surgery. However, he is expected to be fit for the first Test starting on February 9. Former cricketer Gilchrist said that the return of fast bowling all-rounder Green could give the team an opportunity to choose an additional spinner. On the 2004 series win and the lessons for the current team, Gilchrist said, “What we tried to change with our mindset at that time – and I’ll be interested to see if the Aussies do the same this time around – Don’t just drop a spinner.”
He said, “Target the stumps straight from the first ball. Be defensive to be aggressive… start with a slip, start with a fielder at mid-wicket to take a catch, eliminate the option of boundary by keeping the fielder at the boundary line but have some fielders to take catches- Either over short cover or short midwicket – and just be patient.
