Published: Feb 10, 2017, 08:29 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 10, 2017, 08:29 AM (IST)
Dubai: Australian cricketers are leaving no stones unturned in their preparations for the four-Test series later in February against India, with rookie opening batsman Matt Renshaw seeking advice from legendary opener Matthew Hayden to tackle the deadly spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. The 20-year-old said Hayden had tipped him to enjoy and gather as much experience of playing in the sub-continent conditions, which could help him in future tours. “I had a couple of conversations with him [Hayden] over the phone and he’s really good. He has just told me to embrace it over there and get as much experience as I can,” Matt was quoted as saying by espncricinfo. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Australia, 1st Test at Pune
“I’m 20 years old and going over to play in one of the hardest places in the world. So I will just try to embrace it and enjoy the challenge. You hear certain things from certain players but you never know until you get over there. So looking forward to the challenge,” he added. The Australian team is currently undergoing a training camp here to acclimatise and prepare for the upcoming India tour, with the first Test to be played in Pune from February 23.
Earlier, England spinner Monty Panesar, who has been hired by Cricket Australia (CA) as a spin-bowling consultant for the India tour, feels young opening batsman Matt Renshaw could be key to Australia‘s hopes of stopping India’s famed spinners. Panesar said Renshaw has “long strides” which he can use for his advantage in dealing with the Indian spin duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who took 54 wickets during India’s 4-0 win over Australia in their last tour, reported PTI.
