Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones feels the upcoming four-match Test series between India and Australia is the visiting team’s best opportunity to win a Test series against the kangaroo team in their backyard. Jones also believes if the current Team India failed to win the Test series, “they will never win” against Australia in Australia.
The Australian cricket team are depleted in the absence of their former skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner. The duo has been banned for a year by Cricket Australia for their involvement in the much-talked-about ball-tampering scandal of March 2018.
“If India don’t win this series, they will never win in Australia. India are miles better than Australia in all formats but do they have the belief, and will their fast bowlers last the distance?” Jones told Sydney Morning Herald.
Dean Jones also feels India should be able to beat Australia in a Test series Down Under for the first time in 40 years.
“With India’s history, maybe this series will not be a fait accompli. I do feel the result will go India’s way to the tune of a 2-0 or 3-0 result, as I just can’t see Australia winning a Test anywhere”, Jones added.
Jones also feels the home team should not provoke opposition skipper Virat Kohli. “Do not talk or provoke him. Make him your best mate.”
“Normally when Australia play at home they are very hard to beat. But now there is no Steve Smith and David Warner, who consistently make 40 per cent of Australia’s runs. For Australia to win, who is going to fill those shoes?” asked Jones.
When Jones was asked how to stop Virat Kohli – the batsman. He said, “Trying to find a weakness in Kohli’s game is like trying to find something wrong with the Mona Lisa. Teams must stop his cover drive and bowl in different areas.”
Jones further said, “At the start of Kohli’s innings, quicks need to bowl at a fourth-stump line and make him play on the back foot. Do not give him width and length outside off-stump. Bowlers must try to set him up with short stuff first and then the odd wide ball on the drive to find the edge. Slips and gully stay on high alert.”