Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Ian Healy has tipped Australia to win the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy if India produces fair pitches. Healy feels the visitors can go on to win the Test series if the pitches support spin late in the game.
Healy admitted that Indian batters play better when there is less bounce and more turn from the get-go. Australia has been in good form in the recent past, registering a 2-0 series win against West Indies and South Africa in their home conditions. However, the tourists will have their work cut out in the difficult Indian conditions.
“I think if they produce fair Indian wickets, that are good batting wickets, to start with, (that) probably spin and spin pretty consistently but spin a long way, late in the match we (Australia) win,” Healy said on ‘SENQ Breakfast’.
“I’m worried about (Mitchell) Starc and (Nathan) Lyon in the first Test if they’re unfair wickets which I’ve seen in the last series, where balls were jumping ridiculously and sliding down low from day one, I think India play those conditions better than us,” he added.
Meanwhile, Australia has decided not to play the tour game and they are preparing for the series in Bengaluru. Healy feels the Pat Cummins-led team will have to handle the pressure.
“I want the players to be very aware if they are escaping that pressure (from the locals) if you’re escaping that pressure and hiding in your room using the golf simulator I think you’ve got to do something else,” he said.
“That’s an escape, you shouldn’t be doing it, you’re dodging, just be very aware of what you are feeling at any given time. Immerse yourself before you really get to deploy your technique don’t drop catches, fielding can be difficult over there.
Adding further, Healy noted it will be imperative for Australia to grab their chances in the tough Indian conditions.
“What happens in India, to get ten wickets, you’ll only get ten chances, whereas in Australia with bounce, carry and speed you can create 13 chances and you can waste a couple but they don’t come along as easy in India.
“I just think they have to live and breathe that pressure and have a philosophy over there.”
The first Test match between India and Australia will be played in Nagpur on February 9.
