In conversation with TOI, former Australian coach John buchanan talked about the show, the Kohli factor, and more.
Excerpts:
How do you see the next India-Australia series?
Both teams are balanced at the moment. Like the last series of tests where both teams fought hard, I expect a similar battle this time as well.
How crucial the presence of David Warner and Steve Smith Will they be for Australia as they seek to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
When you look at the Australian batting lineup last time to what it will be now, there is a big change. Warner and Smith bring a lot of experience to this lineup. Marnus Labuschange has been in great shape and so have the other hitters, but Warner and Smith give the team a powerful appearance.
With Kohli missing the last three tests while taking paternity leave, what advantage do the hosts have?
It will definitely be an advantage for Australia because Kohli was one of the dominant players in the last series of tests the two teams played. Of course, Cheteshwar Pujara was the star of the series, but Kohli’s presence in the middle was a major factor in India winning that series. India will miss their presence on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Are you concerned about the mental well-being of players who stay in a bio-bubble for an extended period of time?
It certainly is a problem and most Indian players and some Australian players are coming out of the bubble in the IPL. Indian players who play in all formats of the series stay until the third week of January and that is a very long time in the bubble. With more isolated teams than before, your leaders should be able to hold the group together. That’s where India will miss Kohli when she leaves after the first test. Kohli has shown in recent years that he is a mature leader who holds this Indian team together. Having said that, I am not for a moment suggesting that those who would lead in Kohli’s absence cannot do that.
After Rohit sharma LED Mumbai Indians for his fifth IPL crown there were some who wanted to be awarded the limited overs captaincy. Do you think two captains will work for the Indian side?
I think two captains, even though they are both good players, will bring some complications to the group. I’m someone who believes in the captain’s theory for all formats, as long as it doesn’t affect the player’s personal performance.
How do you rate the bowling of the two sides?
If you compare the bowling lineups of the two teams I will say Australia has their noses ahead as they have Pat cummins, James Pattinson, Mitchell starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. It is a well rounded bowling alley. India, on the other hand, also has a consummate alignment with Jasprit Bumrah at the peak of her powers. He was very successful the last time he was on tour here. Mohd Shami was good and they have good spinners in Ashwin, Jadeja and Kuldeep. There is no doubt that this Indian attack will affect the Australian lineup.
Justin langer took over as coach during a difficult period. How have you seen him grow in this role?
Justin was a very good choice for Cricket Australia and he was the right person at the right time. I needed a person with strong values and principles, but also the ability to win over players. He has forged a strong relationship with Tim Paine and Aaron Finch and I believe that the results are visible to all. When he took office, Australia’s performances were less than good and he has been able to work with everyone and turn the team around.
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