Jonty Rhodes believes India needs to tighten its game during key moments when it travels to Australia for the four-Test series.
At the launch of Isuzu’s MU-X SUV here on Tuesday, the South African fielding legend, answering questions from The Hindu , said, “When India was in South Africa earlier this year, they lost the first two Tests, both close matches, within a session.”
Rhodes had high praise for the Indian pace combination but felt the seamers need to adapt quickly to Australian conditions.
Adjusting to conditions
He said, “In South Africa, the Indians bowled first at Cape Town and did not bowl the right length. It was only in the second innings they pitched the ball up and exploited the movement. By then it was too late.”
Rhodes said, “In Australia, where there can be some pace and bounce but less seam movement or swing than in England, the Indian pacemen have to bowl the in-between length on the fourth stump and create doubts in batsmen’s minds whether to go forward or back.
“I want the senior bowlers to have a chat with Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is a quick learner and is vital to this attack.”
He stressed on sound starts. “The openers have to build a platform and I am waiting to see how Prithvi Shaw bats.”
He wanted tour games ahead of the first Test and emphasised on other batsmen contributing around skipper Virat Kohli.
He said, “Kohli has been outstanding with the bat but he cannot do it alone.”
Queried about Kohli’s captaincy, Rhodes said, “Captains learn and evolve. Kohli plays with such intensity. He will have to create a happy environment within the team. A happy team gets together well on tough campaigns abroad.”
Missing heavyweights
Talking about the Aussies, Rhodes said, “Naturally, the team will miss Steve Smith and David Warner, not just as captain and vice-captain but also as batting heavyweights.”
While the pace attack led by Mitchell Starc would be a distinct threat, Rhodes felt experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon could have a role to play in the series. “It should offer spin down under on days three, four and five.”
This is precisely why, Rhodes thinks it may not be a bad idea for India to play more than one spinner in the eleven.
