SYDNEY: The Legendary Ian Chappell believes that virat KohliThe departure after the first India-Australia test next month will leave a “big hole” in the away lineup, creating a selection dilemma that could ultimately decide which path the series will take.
Kohli will return home from the first test in Adelaide on December 17-21 to welcome her first child. Chappell, 77, feels the situation provides a perfect opportunity for young Indian hitters to show off their skills.
“This creates a huge gap in the Indian batting order and an opportunity for one of their talented young players to make a name for himself,” Chappell wrote in a column for ESPNcricinfo.com.
“What was already shaping up to be an exciting fight now has the added stimulus of crucial selection decisions. The result may well come down to who is the bravest group of selectors.”
Emphasizing the importance of making the correct selection decisions, Chappell voted for Will Pucovski rather than Joe Burns to be David Warner’s partner in the Australia opener.
He differed from Australia coach Justin Langer, who has endorsed Burns. Chappell said the selection should always be made on the basis of current form.
“… I was puzzled by the Australian coach’s summary of the choice between incumbent Joe Burns and rising star Will Pucovski for the job of David Warner’s starting partner.
“… you should not overestimate the value of the association. Burns’ contributions last summer equaled a total of 256 runs over an average of 32 with two half centuries. That’s the performance of a below-average test player. , “said the former captain of Australia.
“Pucovski has brought a deck to the inning by doing six centuries at Shield level, three of them doubles; two of those double hundreds came this season,” he added.
Chappell feels that India will have an advantage over the hosts in terms of preparedness in the times of COVID-19.
“This summer’s chaotic and pandemic-ridden Australian Cricket The schedule may benefit India in its quest to repeat the victory of the last series.
“India’s mandatory lockdown period, with training allowed, will provide the team more time to acclimatize to Australian conditions than the rushed pre-test schedule that touring teams normally experience,” he said.
The additional training time while in quarantine here will help visitors acclimatize to Australian conditions, Chappell said.
… if the Indian selectors have done their job correctly, the batsmen currently enduring lockdown training in Sydney will re-familiarize themselves with the requisites of bouncy pitches rather than being confused with experience. ”
The India Down Under tour kicks off with three ODIs here on November 27, followed by as many T20 Internationals and the long-awaited four matches. Test series.
The Indians are currently in a two-week quarantine period after arriving here on November 13, but the government of New South Wales allowed Kohli and his men to train while in isolation.
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