Australia vs India 2018: Travis Head Seeks Harry Nielsen's Advice to Counter Ravi Ashwin

Australia left-hander batsman, Travis Head will turn to his junior South Australia teammate, Harry Nielsen for advice to tackle Indian off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin. However, Head is preparing to play his first Test match on home soil this week. Meanwhile, Head felt left-hander Nielsen handled the world-class bowler Ashwin in the lone tour match. However, the left-handed batsman is planning to have a word with Harry ahead of the first Test commencing from December 6.

Head to turn to Harry for advice

“Harry Nielsen (Cricket Australia XI) played him well enough in the practice game, so I am looking forward to having a word with him (about facing Ashwin),” Travis Head said ahead of the first Test.

Meanwhile, Ashwin had a lot of success against the left-handers in his career. Also, Australia is likely to have four left-handers in their playing XI, but Head said the side’s batsmen are capable of countering the Indian’s threat.

“I faced Ashwin a couple of times in IPL before this, so don’t have much experience of playing him in Test cricket. But we have batsmen who can play spin well,” Travis Head added.

“Look, it is not just about one spinner. If we play six right-handers, they will play Ravindra Jadeja who is another good bowler. I think it will be a good contest.”

Virat is the key for India – Travis Head

Moreover, Head also believes the Australian pacers will also try to put pressure on Virat Kohli. He had previously toured Australia twice and had slammed five centuries including three in Adelaide.

“I don’t have to bowl to him, so I don’t need to work out his weaknesses. But I think our bowlers will have it under control. Facing our three pacers is hard work as it is. He is human after all, and if we can put him under enough pressure, it might work.” Travis Head further added.

Furthermore, last time when India played a Test in Adelaide, Nathan Lyon took twelve wickets. However, Aussies claimed a 48-run win in a nail-biter. Meanwhile, Head is expecting the same pitch this time.

“… I think it will be a good wicket this time too. The heat should help create a lot of rough for Lyon and for their spinners too,” Head concluded.

However, India will play a four-match Test series against Australia commencing from December 6 (Thursday) in Adelaide.