Adam Gilchrist believes that India’s chances in the upcoming tour of Australia will hinge on mental fortitude rather than coping with away conditions.
India plays four Tests in a one-month tour which begins on December 4.
“I see no reason why India cannot be successful in Australia. The pitches do not necessarily offer steep bounce and lots of sideways movement. Bowlers can get some assistance, if they put in the effort. India has capable bowlers to do the job. I think it comes down to the mindset.
“Teams need to dig in and be patient, which can be difficult in this modern era,” the former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman said here on Friday.
Gilchrist was in the city to introduce Alankrit Jangid, the second recipient of the annual Bradman Scholarship, who has been awarded a cricket scholarship to study at the University of Wollongong (Australia).
Backs Kohli
Gilchrist also backed Virat Kohli and other Indian batsmen to reverse their recent inconsistent away form.
“They showed early signs of coming good in England earlier this year, but the team lost 3-1. Someone like Virat Kohli, for example, would have worked on what went wrong in England. He will be ready for the Australia series,” he said.
Gilchrist threw his weight behind skipper M.S. Dhoni, who has copped a fair amount of criticism regarding his leadership in Tests.
“I haven’t seen enough of Dhoni’s leadership to form an opinion, but I’ve been very impressed with him right from the moment he emerged on the international scene. And that is not just because he dedicated his first hundred to me, and called me his idol (laughs).
“His calmness is a great quality. Although recent results are not going his way, he is clearly a strong leader. Dhoni has a lot on his plate, and he has handled it very well,” Gilchrist said.
Asked if he spoke to the Australian team — down 1-0 in a two-Test series against Pakistan — during a visit to Dubai, the three-time 50-over World Cup winner replied: “No, I did not talk to them. I am in regular contact with coach Darren Lehmann, but the team does not need me to tell them what to do.
“They are obviously under a lot of pressure, but I have great faith that they will be able to come through. All credit to Pakistan; they have seized all the opportunities so far. Hopefully, Australia will bat well in this (ongoing) second Test.”
