AUSSIES SET TO SCRAP
Coulter-Nile says first T20 crucial
CRICKET: It could be done in style. It’s more likely to be scrappy.
However it’s done, paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile just wants Australia to find a way to win tomorrow’s Twenty20 series opener against India in Brisbane to turn around their fortunes.
The under-fire Aussies slumped to their third loss from four matches this summer against South Africa at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The 21-run loss to the Proteas in a rain-reduced 10-overa-side clash was Australia’s fourth T20 defeat in a row.
Next up are a pumped-up India, keen to inflict more pain on their browbeaten rivals.
Coulter-Nile said there’s no secret as to how Australia can regain their confidence for the three-match
T20 series.
“Confidence comes from wins, doesn’t it? We’ve just got to find a way to win, scrap a win out,” Coulter-Nile said yesterday.
“Find a bit of luck. Once one win happens you get a bit of confidence built up.”
Australia are unlikely to retain the all-pace attack which they played for the rain-marred clash with the Proteas when they face India.
Coulter-Nile said that selection was based largely on the wicket at Metricon Stadium and he expected either Adam Zampa or Ashton Agar to come into the side at the Gabba.
“I think a spinner will come in, big square boundaries,” he said. “We went pace-heavy because the wicket looked like it was going to be a bit up and down.”
Both teams will hold training sessions at the Gabba today ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
Australia’s cricketing struggles have left a scent of blood in the water for an excited India.
The tourists have arrived in Brisbane full of confidence for a tour that comprises three T20 matches, four Tests and two one-day internationals. India have never won a Test series in Australia, drawing three and losing eight of their 11 campaigns.
Vice-captain Rohit Sharma, however, feels something special is about to happen given Australia’s woeful recent form.
“It’s the one place that we want to leave our mark and do well as a unit,” Sharma said yesterday.
“The last time we played a Test series here, although we lost two games and we drew one game, I thought there were a few close games.
“We want to make it count this time around.
“There’s a real good feeling inside the group in all three formats – the motivation of the team is to just try and seize all the moments and win tournaments.”