Aussies unsure against spin: Tiwary

February 17, 2013 11:45 pm | Updated June 13, 2016 06:48 am IST - Chennai:

“The way they batted today against spin, the Australians would be in big trouble in the Test series. They were unsure about their defence against spin, their back-foot defence in particular,” said Manoj Tiwary, here, on Sunday.

Then, Shane Watson responded, “He is obviously confident today because he has got a hundred. He is not in the Indian squad for the first Test. So we do not have to bother against him.”

Watson, however, conceded that the young Australian batsmen would have to adapt to the Indian conditions. “Playing spin here is a challenge. For several young Australian batsmen, it is their first tour of India.

“It’s is big learning curve for them. It is important that they settle down as individuals, settle into a gameplan for the Test series.”

Watson, who blazed an aggressive 84 at the top of the order, said it was up to the selectors to take a decision on him opening the innings in the first Test.

“David Warner is recovering from an injury (thumb) and it remains to be seen whether he would be able to recover in time for the match or not. Even if Warner is fit and all the three of us (Cowan, Warner and himself) are available, it is left to the selectors.”

Watson added, “I enjoy opening the innings. But I would also bat at No. 4 or whichever slot the team decides for me.”

Importantly, Watson made it clear that he would not be bowling in the four-Test series. “The last four months have not been good for my body. There have been injuries. I would seek to score runs and make the team on the strength of my batting.”

The Australian vice-captain said the team would miss the quality and experience of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey in the series.

Tiwary was pleased with his century here that followed his 92 against England, also for India ‘A’, in Mumbai earlier in the season.

“It is satisfying to make runs against the visiting sides. The quality of the attack is different, it is a big leap from domestic cricket,” he said.

Tiwary added, “It is my dream to play Test cricket. I would continue to try my best in the opportunities I get. I am a firm believer in destiny.”

Criticism, he said, did not bother him. “When people say things about my batting, I like to prove them wrong. I love challenges.”

Tiwary admitted that his career was blighted by fitness concerns. “There are times when it is very disappointing. Like when I knew I would have played the one-day series against England but for an injury.”

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