Team India has reached Australia to play four-match Test series and a one-day tri-series, also featuring England, on Saturday. The Indian team landed in Adelaide – the venue of the first of the two practice games and also of the second Test.
The touring party will play a couple of two-day practice matches against Cricket Australia Invitational XI, before facing Australia in the first Test in Brisbane, starting December 4. The remaining three matches will be played in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
Team India director, Ravi Shastri is upbeat about India’s chances in the series and feels that the players shouldn’t be intimidated by Australia and they have what it takes to beat the hosts in their own backyard.
“We have got an exciting bunch of young players but that does not mean they should be intimidated by the opposition,” Shastri said.
“If you are prepared to guts it out, then there is no reason why you can’t perform,” he added. “They are good competitors but we can show them that even we are good competitors. This bunch has it.”
Virat Kohli is to lead Team India in the practice games and also in the series opener at Gabba, which will test his captaincy prowess in front of the hostile crowd.
“Obviously, the captaincy is going to be a bit daunting for him, coming in for a big Test series in Australia and taking over,” former Indian skipper said. “He’ll be up for it and no doubt we will be. I’m sure the crowd will be right behind us, backing us up and putting a lot of pressure on him.”
“The Gabba crowd gets a bit rowdy. I’ve played a few games up there for Victoria and it’s been hard work. So I can’t imagine playing an international there when everyone’s against you.”
“I’m sure it’ll be tough for him, but any game when it’s your first Test as captain is going to be a tough contest. No doubt we’ll make it a lot of hard work for him.”
