‘How’s the Josh? High, Sir’ might have hugely different connotations for India T20I opener Abhishek Sharma, if the Josh in question is Hazlewood, and the high is referred to the steep bounce he expects to encounter in Australia. While cricket is just a game, and far from needing martial courage, it is where Abhishek Sharma will have to prove his mettle.
The Aussie metronome’s high bounce and pinpoint bowling is most likely to test Sharma, according to Abhishek Nayar, former Mumbai all-rounder and KKR coach. Speaking on ‘Game Plan’ ahead of the first T20I on Wednesday, JioStar expert Abhishek Nayar opined, “These Australian conditions could suit Abhishek Sharma’s style perfectly, as he thrives on bounce and prefers playing beside the line. We’ve seen players like Travis Head succeed due to the consistent bounce.”
Dubbing the T20I series in Australia a significant test for many of India’s young players, as it marks their first experience of playing T20 International cricket against a team of this calibre in such conditions, post the sub-par competition of Asia Cup, Nayar said it was an opportunity for new heroes to emerge. “It’s a chance for several players to step up, gain confidence, and build momentum with runs under their belt,” he said.
Australia’s significantly more accomplished bowling line up however could test the Indians who can’t deny they were in a spot of bother at the Asian Cup final till Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube steadies them. Sharma who didn’t get going going in the finals against Pakistan, his only miss really, will need to face Hazlewood. “While he’ll face challenges against bowlers like Josh Hazlewood, who consistently hit back of a length, his IPL experience against these bowlers will help. Conditions matter, but his attacking mentality can overcome them, especially during Powerplays where boundary sizes become irrelevant. If he maintains his intent and continues playing beside the line, this could be a very successful tour for him,” Nayar stated.
Nayar also believed India’s entire top order thrives on bounce and horizontal bat shots, making this a complete team with power hitters, quality spinners, and varied fast bowlers. “This makes India a very dangerous side that Australia will need to approach very carefully,” he said.
Nayar stressed that Tilak Varma too had consistently performed for India and Mumbai Indians, as well as during the South Africa tour when Suryakumar Yadav promoted him to number three, where he scored multiple hundreds and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. “He even had an amazing Asia Cup and to deliver under pressure in a multi-nation tournament final against Pakistan demonstrates his growing maturity. As a left-hander, who plays spin well and excels against pace with his pull shots, he adds crucial balance to our batting line-up,” Nayar told JioHotstar.
Surya faces scrutiny
Nayar was of the opinion that India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s poor form with the bat, would be under scrutiny.
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“This Australian tour presents an interesting scenario. While team victories often overshadow individual performances, any downturn in results will raise questions. As India’s T20I Captain and someone who’s been the number one ranked batter in T20I cricket for a long period of time, Suryakumar’s extended run without significant scores at number three will inevitably create internal scrutiny. We know his calibre and impact potential, and Australian conditions with their bounce and pace should actually benefit his batting style. Ultimately, the biggest questions will come from within, as this current output doesn’t reflect his true capabilities,” he explained.
