‘India must adapt quickly Down Under’

Former Australia fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz feels India’s batsmen will have a tough time adjusting to conditions Down Under in December, given the faster, bouncier tracks on offer.

India are not known for being overly adaptable away from home, as their Test series in England recently showed, where they lost three-one and their top order struggled against England’s pace and swing.

Kasprowicz said: “The conditions in Australia are different because there is extra bounce in the wickets; so it’s about adjusting your skills. You certainly can’t play the way you play on your own conditions and that’s the crucial part.

“It’s always a challenge when you are entering a different environment. The Australian team found that while coming and playing in India in 1998, when I was part of the team and in 2001.

“It wasn’t until in 2004, where we adjusted suit the conditions and I think that’s the crucial thing for India.”

He continued: “The players in the Indian side are so talented that they can come out and dominate and there’s no question about that. I think for Australia to take it lightly would be a big mistake. But, I don’t think that coach Darren Lehman or captain Michael Clarke will actually do that.

“It will be a tough tour. There will be a home ground advantage definitely but I think there is plenty of talent in the Indian side and as long as they adjust to their skills quickly and put some pressure on the Australian team, I think the results could be surprising.”

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