Being part of the Indian broadcasting scene for many years, former Australian batsman Dean Jones is quite familiar with cricket in the country. He has closely followed the team’s trials, tribulations and setbacks in the first two Tests against England at Birmingham and Lord’s.
The 57-year-old Australian’s response after India was shot out for 107 and 130 in the Lord’s Test was akin to what most English commentators felt.
“It can happen with the conditions there. I don’t know why it happens, you get a flat pitch and suddenly it’s overcast and it swings all over the place and goes late. The Indians got done in by the conditions, I think.
“Sometimes you can over-analyse your technique. Molehills become mountains. You think too much about it. It was just the way it was for them unfortunately. They have got to regroup now and come back. Unfortunately, the Indians walked into a storm. And they just could not get out of it. But I expect them to bounce back,” said Jones at the Star Sports studio here on Monday.
On the favourable bowling conditions during the Lord’s Test, Jones said: “The statistics prove that the ball moved more in this match than in any other Test in the world in the last three years. And England have three of the best guys, including Jimmy Anderson. It’s like playing Ashwin here (in India). Hopefully, there will be some better times for India in the next matches.”
Asked how India would respond being 0-2 down in the five-Test series and with its openers and other batsmen in dismal form, Jones said the coach and captain have their task cut out.
“As a coach, it’s really difficult to bring back the confidence. I have been a player and once a player has lost confidence, how do you resurrect your confidence? Ravi (Shastri) and Virat (Kohli) have got a big job to bring the guys back in.
“The only way to do is hard work. And that’s net practice after net practice... play a thousand balls in the nets, regroup and regain the confidence... work on your defence, and think of your game plan when the ball is swinging.”
Jones was quite sympathetic towards Dinesh Karthik. “I think DK is an outstanding player. But again, if you don’t score enough runs or take wickets, the game will sort you out. He’ll come back. I’m expecting the Indian team to bounce back. It’s too good a team. Don’t go over the top about it (the Lord’s defeat).”
Looking at India’s tour of Australia later this year, Jones said: “I would like India compared to ours at the moment. India will be fine, honestly. I just personally feel that the Indian batsmen will belt Australia in Australia... there is no David Warner and Steve Smith and who’s going to make the runs against India. I’m expecting (Ravichandran) Ashwin to run though us.”
