Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri knows a thing or two about winning a series on Australian soil. Shastri masterminded India’s last two Downunder Test series triumphs against Australia. The former Indian all-rounder admitted it is going to be a tough series for the visitors but they will need to hit the ground running from the get-go to get desired results.

Shastri reckons if the tourists play hard, then the Australian media will also give them their due respect. There is no doubt that India is under the pump after suffering a 0-3 series loss against New Zealand despite playing at home.

The visiting team will also be without the services of their skipper Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami for the opening Perth Test.

“You have got to understand very early what to expect from the media as well, because they’ll be behind the Australian team. But if you can get your boys to get out there and play as hard as it gets, be ready for some tough cricket and perform, the media will respect you,” Shastri said on Fox Cricket.

Meanwhile, Shastri urged the Indian players to bring their A-game to the field as soon as possible to catch the Australian off-guard. India will need to grab their opportunities with both hands and they must execute their plans to perfection.

“It’s going to be tough. As I found out on my three tours here as a coach, you have to be at your best. Your A game has to come to the park very early if you want to catch Australia on the wrong foot. You don’t want to give an inch. I think that is the only way. There is no other way you can play. You’ve got to, or you’re not going to get an inch,” Shastri said in the same interview.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.