India Have The Ability To Win But....: Shoaib Akhtar Gives His Views On India-Australia Tests
Published - 18 Nov 2020, 09:41 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:37 AM
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As cricket slowly returns towards normalcy, the entire cricketing world is eagerly waiting for the upcoming Test series between India and Australia. The present and former world number one Test sides will be locking horns in a four-match Test series Down Under.
Prior to to the Test series, both the teams will lock horns in three ODIs as well as three T20Is. The ODI series from November 27 will kickstart the much-awaited tour. The Test series, on the other hand, will start from December 17 in Adelaide. The first Test will be a day-night affair.
‘India have the ability to win’:
As India and Australia gear up for the Test series, former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar has given his views on the same. Shoaib Akhtar believes that India have the ability to win in Australia once again but is skeptical of their chances in case their middle-order fails to deliver.
Captain Virat Kohli will be available only for the first Test. After the game, he will leave for India to attend the birth of his first child. In his absence, India’s middle-order will definitely be weaker.
“In my opinion, India have the ability to win again. But if their middle order doesn’t perform, I see them struggling. People will be watching this series with great interest including myself,” Shoaib Akhtar told news agency PTI.
India are scheduled to play the opening Test in Adelaide, which is going to be the first day-night Test between the two teams and that according to Akhtar will be the touring party’s biggest challenge.
“The day-night Test will be their toughest test. If India play well in those conditions, then you never know. The first two innings of the first Test will tell us where the series is headed,” said Shoaib Akhtar.
He further added that Indian batsmen will have to get used to the conditions quickly and adapt to the pace and bounce of the Australian pitches.
“It takes two-three innings to control that forward trigger movement in foreign conditions. You can’t drive on the up and have to play close to the body,” he said.
