Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist feels India has a great opportunity to register their first-ever Test series victory Down Under as the former world number one side is currently going through a transitional phase.
“It’s a good chance for India with Australia being through somewhat of a transitional period. They are still finding their way. India has got a few good results in the last couple of series (against Australia).
“I think Australia is aware of that. They need to be on top of their game to hold on to their (undefeated) record at home against India,” he said at a press conference.
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The 40-year-old left-hander was of the view that unlike England, pitches in Australia would favour the Indians. “I think the last two tours when India came to Australia, batsmen had certainly dominated. The Indian batsmen especially have accommodated these conditions very well. In 1999-2000, when I played first against India in Australia, the conditions were a bit more difficult for them. There was a lot of grass on the wicket and a lot of bounce.
“(However) the general view is that wickets have tamed somewhat and the Indian players — they are world-class players — will certainly find ways to score hundreds in those conditions. I wouldn’t say there will be dead wickets but maybe not as spicy as it used to be in previous years.
“The English conditions were a difficult challenge. From what I saw, there were pretty tired players in the Indian set-up in England. Hopefully they are fresh when they come to Australia and I am looking forward to that challenge,” he added.
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