Before the Indian team’s Test match in Brisbane, legendary Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden gave them some valuable guidance, suggesting them to change their approach following a disappointing showing in Adelaide.
Hayden especially focused on how Indian runners, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, could use Brisbane’s conditions to their advantage while facing Australia’s strong batting combination.
Concerns have been raised about India’s bowling and batting performances following their disappointing loss in Adelaide. The batsmen for the Indian squad suffered in the second Test, failing to reach the 200-run milestone in either performance.
As Australia took control of the game, their bowlers lost steam when Travis Head to the wicket. India may need to make major adjustments to their techniques and playing XI for the upcoming match in Brisbane, since the loss in Adelaide raised worries about their approach.
The Crucial Bowling Strategy of Bumrah and Siraj
Known for his forceful and intelligent batting style, Hayden shared his knowledge of how India’s fast bowlers may perform better in Brisbane. He said that Bumrah, Siraj, and other pacers ought to concentrate on the fourth and fifth wickets. By attacking the regions right outside off-stump, they would be able to keep pressure on the Australian players.
In an interview with Star Sports, Hayden declared, “The key is to depend on hanging in that fourth, fifth wicket line a bit more.” He highlighted that in order to take advantage of Brisbane wickets’ legendary bounce, Indian pacers need try for a disciplined line.
Brisbane is known for its unpredictable bounce, and bowlers who can maintain an even pace just outside off-stump can fool batters, especially with the additional bounce the ground provides.
Hayden added that the Indian fast bowlers might draw strength from their past red ball attacks, particularly their victory in Perth. In Test match cricket, the red ball—which will be used in Brisbane—behaves more regularly than the pink ball, which India had.
In Test match cricket, the red ball—which will be used in Brisbane—behaves with greater accuracy than the pink ball, which India had trouble with in Adelaide. Hayden thinks the Indian bowlers will be able to find their pattern and carry out their techniques more successfully since they are familiar to the red ball.
India’s Batting Technique: They Must Bat for Time
Hayden highlighted the importance of India’s batting performance in addition to the bowling approach. One of the Indian team’s greatest strengths, their reaching arrangement, has fallen short in recent games.
The Indian batsmen have had difficulty forming partnerships and making large runs, with the possible exception of a few players.
“The Indian team desires to play less frequently and better.”
. Hayden stated, “They must aim for scores in the 350-run range and spend time at the wicket.” He made the argument that if India wants to compete with Australia in challenging times, its approach needs to adjust.
According to Hayden, the team cannot afford to be removed in less than a day, as they did in Adelaide, and batting for time is important. He suggested that India should bat first and attempt to reach an important total, particularly in difficult conditions.
Although India has a talented batting order, the team has to be more tough and patient. According to Hayden, India must put in a lot of effort to play raised innings and create pressure on the Australian bowlers. India may achieve this by raising a score that will provide their bowlers with something to protect.
Confidence following the Gabba victory in 2021
Hayden highlighted the mental side of things in addition to offering guidance on the game’s technical parts. He brought up the Indian team’s historic victory at the Gabba in 2021, which put an end to Australia’s unbroken streak there. India gained a lot of confidence from that win, and Hayden thinks it could be crucial in the next game.
Although it is Australia’s home field, he admitted that the conditions would work for India as well, saying, “Brisbane is a different ball game.” The Indian players’ confidence that they can pull off another upset in Australia is likely to be boosted by the remembrance of their victory at the Gabba in 2021.
Hayden’s suggestions, which are based on both technical knowledge and toughness of character, provide a fair assessment of what India should achieve in Brisbane.
According to him, the batsmen should bat longer, create a difficult total, and perform well under difficult conditions, while the bowlers, lead by Bumrah and Siraj, must focus on using the bounce to keep a disciplined line.
To sum up, Hayden’s remarks offer India a clear road plan for capturing the series. The Indian team has the best the chance of winning Australia at home if they stick to the basics of disciplined bowling and create lengthy, meaningful performances.
