‘Aussies need to bat for long periods in India’
SYDNEY: Coach Darren Lehmann said Australia’s batsmen will have to be prepared to bat for long periods in next month’s four-Test series in India.
Australia scored seven centuries in the 3- 0 Test series clean sweep of Pakistan completed in Sydney on Saturday, but Lehmann warned the batsmen would have to be prepared to “grind it out” in India.
While Australia had it much their own way against Pakistan, winning all three Tests, attention has now switched to the coming tough assignment on the subcontinent with the squad to be announced this week.
Pundits said it is expected to include the 13 players who were in the squad in Sydney, plus Shaun Marsh and probably two others – likely an additional fast bowler and an extra batting all-rounder.
There will be a great deal of focus on Australia’s spin contingent of Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe and Ashton Agar.
But Lehmann said it was the batting that must be ready for the challenges against Virat Kohli’s top-ranked India.
“Batting long periods of time is going to be the key,” Lehmann told reporters after Saturday’s 220-run Sydney Test win.
“I think ( England’s) Alastair Cook summed it up really well on their tour, where they didn’t bat long enough.
“They got decent scores but they still didn’t bat long enough. That’s going to be the challenge for this group.
“We batted 135 overs in the first innings (in Sydney). We’ll need to bat for 150 overs plus in India to post a big total.
“It’s a great challenge for the young group. They’re fit and strong so they should be able to bat long periods of time.”
Skipper Steve Smith was careful not to set expectations too high, recalling Australia’s 4- 0 Test series drubbing on their last tour to India in 2013.
“It’s obviously going to be a very difficult series,” Smith said.