India tour of Australia 2011-2012

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

Symonds echoes Gilly's view, says India can beat Australia

MUMBAI: Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds on Tuesday echoed ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist's view, saying India have a good chance to score their first Test series win Down Under when they tour the country later this month.

"Indians can put pressure on the young Australian players. They have a good opportunity to beat Australia in their home country. I think there are good chances of India beating them," the 36-year-old all-rounder said.

"However, the young Australian players too have an opportunity to beat the Indians. There are positive chances for both the sides. One needs preparation and also needs to respond properly in big games," he added.

Gilchrist had on Monday said that India had a great opportunity to beat the former world number one side as it is undergoing a transitional phase.

India are slated to play four Tests, beginning December 26 in Melbourne, followed by two T20s and a tri-series tournament also involving Sri Lanka.
Newspaper:Times Of India, 7th Dec

 

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

Clarke hopes Watson regains fitness for India Test series

HOBART: Shane Watson has suffered a setback in his bid to regain fitness in time for Australia's Test series opener against India but he is still expected to recover in time for the big clash.

Watson, already sidelined from Australia's current series against New Zealand with a hamstring injury, is still on course to play in the first of four Tests against the Indians, Australia skipper Michael Clarke said on Thursday.

"Watto has got a light calf strain. It's put him a couple of days behind but we're confident he'll be right for the Boxing Day Test," Clarke said on the eve of Australia's second and final Test against the Black Caps in Hobart.

Clarke indicated that even if Watson's recovery prevented him from bowling in the Test starting on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he would be chosen primarily as a batsman, if available.

"His batting is still a very big part of our team at the top of the order. He's been pretty consistent for us," Clarke said.

"But in the best-case scenario I would love him to be able to bowl as well because he's had a lot of success with the ball, especially particularly of late.

"Perfect world for us is both batting and bowling, but I think his batting is important to us."

Watson, 30, illustrated his worth as an extra seamer in the Australian attack when he captured five for 17 off 30 balls in the first innings of the Cape Town Test against South Africa last month.

All-rounder Watson has scored 2,135 runs and taken 56 wickets in 32 Tests.
Newspaper:Times Of India, 8th Dec

 

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

Our best chance to win Down Under: VVS Laxman

HYDERABAD: A tour of Australia is always a huge test of a cricketer's pedigree and character. One man who has, however, been always up to the task Down Under is VVS Laxman. As India prepare for a much-awaited Test series in Australia with the first Test beginning on Dec 26 in Melbourne, TOI spoke to Laxman about the tour and the expectations he has from it.

Laxman, along with some senior members of the squad, will be leaving for Australia on Thursday itself to get a feel of the conditions before the battle begins.
Newspaper:Times Of India, 8th Dec

 

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

Difficult to predict on India-Australia series, says Gilchrist

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist expects the forthcoming India-Australia Test series to be an exciting affair. However, he refuses to predict the outcome of the much-awaited series, starting with the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Gilchrist said bowling would be a key factor in deciding the fate of the four-match series. “It is quite difficult to predict. Both teams are evenly matched.

“It will be an intriguing series and whichever bowling line-up remains injury free, it will go a long way in winning the series,” said Gilchrist here on Wednesday. He was speaking at a function here to promote the University of Wollongong in Australia.

Gilchrist said the absence of “a unique character” like off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who could not make the Indian team, would be felt during the Tests.

“Harbhajan is a wonderful guy to play cricket with. His fighting qualities are admirable. He never takes a backward step. He will be missed in the series.”

The spinner had hit the headlines for his tiff with Andrew Symonds during India's last tour to Australia in 2008.
Newspaper:Times Of India, 8th Dec

 

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

I would've definitely picked Irfan for Australia tour: Akram

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram is baffled by the Indian selection committee's decision to opt for Abhimanyu Mithun over an in-form Irfan Pathan for the much-awaited upcoming tour of Australia.

"I would've definitely picked Irfan. His previous experiences in Australia would have been a
boost to Team India. I don't know why he wasn't considered," said a stunned Akram.

Pathan, who staked a claim by picking up 21 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls, in four Ranji Trophy matches this season, was picked for the last two one-dayers against the West Indies, but found no favour when the panel sat down to select the squad for the Test series Down Under.

Akram felt bringing back the buoyant Irfan at this stage would have been ideal.

"Irfan has hit peak form, and it would have been perfect to unleash him at this stage. He looks confident and his swing would have been very handy in those conditions," said Akram.

Akram, who has mentored Irfan in the past, also felt the selectors should have named Praveen Kumar's replacement after the last two ODIs against the West Indies. The UP pacer is out with an injury.

"If they gave Abhimanyu Mithun an opportunity in the Ahmedabad ODI, it would have only been fair to see how Irfan performed in the remaining two games. I think it's a bit unfair, but the selectors probably had a different line of thinking," Akram was quoted as saying by 'Mobile ESPN'.

Akram felt the 21-year-old Mithun, who was not considered during the tour of England despite injuries to several players, will be under pressure to get acclimatized to Australian conditions quickly.
Newspaper:Hindustan Times, 8th Dec

 

[Karthik]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

The No. 3 mutual admiration society
http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-india-2011/content/current/story/544129.html

 

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

I want to make a difference in Oz: Zaheer

RAJKOT: Talking about the Mumbai bowlers during their Ranji Trophy game against Saurashtra, coach Debu Mitra said: "Zaheer was the only bowler in the Mumbai lineup who looked like taking a wicket with every delivery." After the game ended in a draw on Friday, Zaheer spoke about his form, fitness and the tour of Australia. Excerpts:

Are you ready for the Boxing Day Test against the Aussies?

After this match I feel much better. I always thought that the more I bowl, the more I would feel better. I have bowled 43 overs in two matches (against Orissa and Saurashtra). That was the idea. I wanted to build it up, get into some rhythm. I am very happy with the way things are going. I am very happy and looking forward to the tour of Australia.

How important is this tour Down Under given that you have never played a full series there?

I have done everything possible in consultation with the physios. We chalked out this plan. So far I have been achieving my milestones eight to 10 days before schedule. On the whole it has been very positive.

When I am boarding the flight (to Australia) there will be no doubts in my mind whether I will be able to bowl 20 overs or I am going to come back. I am just thinking from the cricketing point of view and not anything else. What's going to happen will happen. I want to go ahead with a clear mind. This tour is very important and I want to be the factor which can make the difference.

Did you plan the surgery that way so that you may come back on time for the tour of Australia?

When I decided to go for my ankle surgery, my plan was to do the right thing. I did not set any targets or time frame for my comeback.

The Aussies don't have the same kind of attack they used to have. Do you expect some difference in the pitches that will be offered?

Not really. There will be bounce on offer. I think our team will have that edge because of the batsmen.

What do you think of the current Indian attack?

I've seen them bowl at 140kmph-plus, which is a great sign. But they must enjoy as it's the early part of their careers. We have an experienced bowler in Ishant Sharma.
Newspaper:Times Of India, 10th Dec

 

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

Vinay Kumar replaces Aaron in Test squad for Australia tour

NEW DELHI: India's Test squad was struck with another injury blow ahead of the gruelling cricket tour of Australia as pacer Varun Aaron was replaced by Vinay Kumar owing to a back problem.

Aaron, whose injury was detected on Thursday, has become the second first-choice pacer after Praveen Kumar to be replaced from the squad due to injury.

The 22-year-old Aaron has got "stress reaction on the back" which he sustained during the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies. Aaron was left out of the ODI team after playing the first two matches at Cuttack and Visakhapatnam.

Praveen picked up a rib injury during a Ranji Trophy match and was replaced by Abhimanyu Mithun in the squad which has been picked for four Tests against Australia starting December 26 in Melbourne.

The 27-year-old Vinay has not played any Test cricket so far. His nascent career is just 15-ODI old and the Karnataka bowler has taken 16 wickets so far. He has also played 5 Twenty20 matches picking up five wickets.
Newspaper:Times Of India,10th Dec

 

[Karthik]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

CA announce Chairman's XI squads to face India
First match (December 15-16): Ed Cowan (c), Joe Burns, Tom Cooper, Alex Doolan, Peter George, Jake Haberfield, Josh Lalor, Tim Ludeman, Glenn Maxwell, Joe Mennie, Wes Robinson, Dean Solway

Second match (December 19-21): David Warner (c), Doug Bollinger, Cameron Boyce, Tom Cooper, Trent Copeland, Alex Doolan, Peter George, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Josh Lalor, Tim Ludeman, Shaun Marsh
http://cricketnext.in.com/news/chairmans-xi-squads-to-face-india-announced/62156-13.html

 

[M@zh@R]

RE: India tour of Australia 2011

Aussies will be better opposition, says Gambhir

CHENNAI: Stand-in captain Gautam Gambhir on Sunday welcomed the emergence of youngsters in the Indian team but said the upcoming tour against Australia will be a different ball game all together.

"It always helps to get runs under your belt but in Australia those are different conditions. We all know this is not what we're going to get in Australia. Australians are tough nuts to crack and will come hard at us," Gambhir told the media persons on Sunday.

Gambhir said players should also have mental toughness to excel in Australia, besides technical skills.

"That's where your mental toughness will be tested the maximum. You will be getting a quality attack and they will be coming hard at you. I think one good thing is the guys that have gone early (to Australia) will be able to acclimatise (to the conditions). And we're playing two practice games this time."

Gambhir also played down his perfect record as captain so far. The Delhi batsman has won all six of the ODIs he's captained India in so far.

"I'll stick to the saying that the captain is as good as his team. One captain can't win you the game it's still 11 people on the park. I am lucky to have such teammates, during the series against New Zealand, I was lucky to have Yuvraj Singh. (Today, too) the teammates stood up and delivered."

Gambhir, also revealed Virender Sehwag and himself had decided to open the innings again after the loss to the West Indies in the third game.

"After the first two games, we discussed where we were lacking and saw we were not able to get good starts. So Viru and I were discussing and said we've opened a lot and done well in Tests and ODIs, (so let's do it again). And then we took it on from there."
Newspaper:Times Of India, 12th Dec