Fox Cricket has launched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Melbourne’s Federation Square, with some of the biggest names in cricket helping preview the blockbuster series.
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Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri, who led the tourists to historic triumphs in 2018/19 and 2020/21, spelled out what it takes to defeat the almighty Australians in their own backyard.
“It’s going to be tough,” Shastri said at Tuesday’s Fox Cricket Launch.
“As I found out on my three tours here as a coach, you have to be at your best. Your A game has to come to the park very early if you want to catch Australia on the wrong foot.
“You don’t want to give an inch. I think that is the only way. There is no other way you can play. You’ve got to, or you’re not going to get an inch.
“You have got to understand very early what to expect from the media as well, because they’ll be behind the Australian team. But if you can get your boys to get out there and play as hard as it gets be ready for some tough cricket and perform, the media will respect you.”
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Shastri is confident emerging opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will leave Australia a superior batter, no matter what unfolds on the tour.
“I think he’ll be a better player when he leaves Australian shores. Already he’s world class,” Shastri continued.
“You saw what he did against England (and) just the freedom with which he plays.
“He’s come up the hard way, so you can see that hunger and passion, not just in his eyes, but when he’s out there in the middle, fielding in the slips.
“He wants to be involved in the game. I think once he adapts to these conditions – it’s not going to be easy to adjust in Perth with that bounce, no matter how talented you are. You have got to be prepared to do the hard yards.
“But if he can see that phase through, I think he’ll entertain. He will love these pitches. He’s someone who score pretty freely as well.”
Meanwhile, Australian legend Adam Gilchrist, who has been watching the Indians train in Perth, offered a warning for the hosts.
“They look pumped,” Gilchrist said.
“They look charged up and ready to turn it around, so look out Australia.”
The first Test between Australia and India gets underway at Perth Stadium on Friday a 1.20pm AEDT.