Adam Voges is one of those quiet performers in Australian cricket, capable of bursting into action with the bat and a useful left-arm spinner. Familiarity with Indian conditions plus T20 experience (120 international appearances) puts him in the frontline as the two sides face off in a limited-over series. He has played alongside Shane Warne for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, represented Perth Scorchers in the Champions League 2013 where the visitors lost to finalists RR and Mumbai Indians.
The intensity in Shane Watson’s involvement during a training session at the Cricket Club of India on Tuesday was indicative of Australia’s intentions on the tour, starting with a solitary T20 at Rajkot.
Voges welcomed inputs from the all-rounder, being talked about as RR captain in Dravid’s place, in fine-tuning preparations against an aggressive India. Starting well would be the key he emphasised.
Excerpts:
Shane Watson’s importance : Shane is a senior player, along with Brad Haddin. These guys bring a wealth of experience, particularly in India. Shane has played a lot of cricket here and any tips he can give to any of our guys, I am sure we all will be listening.
Facing Indian slow bowlers : It is going to be tough work against spinners in their conditions, but as long as we have some clear game plans about how we’re going to tackle them, it’s about executing plans. I am certainly looking forward to the challenge. We’ll be well prepared. You don’t become the No. 1 team without being a very good all-round side.
Incentive to perform : India is number one at the moment. There’s some big incentive for us in this tournament, if we win this series, we’ve the opportunity to overtake them. There’s no bigger incentive than that. If we can start well that will be important, there’s a big incentive (to perform).
Adjusting to heat and humidity : Probably dew will play a part in day-night games. We understand the conditions; we’ve played a lot of cricket over here now. Most of the guys have adapted to the conditions. It’s great to have played at the CCI with some really good facilities.
The series as a chance to stake claim for a Test spot : Every time I play for Australia is a huge opportunity for me. I never look any further than Thursday night. This tour is again a huge opportunity and I just love playing for Australia, so any opportunity I get to do that I really look forward to. Hopefully I can have a big series. Starting well would be key.
