India vs Australia: “He was the glue holding the team together last time” – Tim Paine names key Indian player, hints Matthew Wade might open
Follow Us
We are less 24 hours away from the much-anticipated fixture of the year, the Border Gavaskar series. After a thrilling white ball series the stalwarts, India and Australia, battle it out in all whites. Ahead of the Test series, Australia captain Tim Paine named Ajinkya Rahane as the Indian player in their “huge focus” going ahead. Paine explains that the Indian vice-captain held the team together last time around. And hence is in the crosshairs of the hosts.
Rahane is also gearing up to lead the side in the final three Tests in captain Virat Kohli‘s absence. Paine also admits that the visitors are a potent side brimming with talented youngsters. And they have the ability to repeat their past heroics this time around. India clinched their first-ever Test series victory Down Under during their last visit.
“When Kohli leaves, we know the talent they have in their side. Pujara obviously troubled us a lot last time around so he is a big key for us, but we know the talent they have, we saw Rishabh Pant hitting a very quick hundred in the second practice game so they have got guys who can take away the Test match pretty quickly. Clearly, Rahane held the team together last time, he was the glue last time around so he is a huge focus for us,” Paine said during a virtual press conference.
He’s certainly an option to open
Injuries have been a big worry for the hosts going into the four-match Test series. With David Warner and Will Pucovski ruled out of the first Test with injuries, the Aussies face a huge conundrum regarding the top two. Joe Burns and Marcus Harris‘ string of low scores has tempted experts to recommend Matthew Wade to open in Adelaide. And Paine suggests that Wade is definitely in the mix to open the innings. The Aussie skipper lauded Wade’s fighting series and is glad to have options when it comes to selecting the top two.
“He’s (Wade) certainly an option to open the batting. No doubt about that. I think we’ve got a number of guys who are willing to open the batting. That says a lot about our group, not just Wadey. But Wadey in particular, we saw against New Zealand last year with the short-ball stuff, he’s willing to put his body on the line for his team,” said Paine.
“We know he’s as tough as nails and he’ll do a good job no matter where he bats. Obviously, we have got a scenario where we could have a different opener and we’ve had a number of guys put their hand up to do it if that’s the best thing for the team. That’s a great thing for us,” he added.
The Test series kicks off with an pink ball game in Adelaide before moving to the red cherry. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are set to host the final three Tests.
Also Read | “He could be the real difference” – Allan Border reckons a “fit” Jasprit Bumrah will be key for India
Stay Updated!
Anshuman Mahapatra
(1496 Articles Published)