India head coach Gautam Gambhir has insisted that he wants his team to play with an aggressive attitude against Australia in the five-match Test series, which starts on Friday. Gambhir and the Indian players will be desperate for a point after being beaten 0-3 at home by New Zealand earlier this week. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has praised Gambhir for his aggressive mentality, claiming international cricket has lost its competitive edge due to players from different countries sharing dressing rooms in franchise cricket.
“I think it's getting harder nowadays because you spend more time playing with opponents. I think when I was playing or before the IPL, it was a lot easier, you could see each other just as often and you weren't in the same but I think there's no doubt that's why India have had success in Australia the last few times,” Clarke told ESPNCricinfo.
Clarke also urged the Australian players to leave friendships behind off the field during the series against India. Australia has not won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15.
“I think all the players have drawn a very clear line in the sand: when they step into this country, there are no friends on the field. Off the field fine, but on the field you play for your country. You don't play in the same IPL team,” he added.
“I would like Australia to have the same attitude, you know. It's not about what you say. It's not about sledding, it's about what you do. It's your intention, it's your attitude. It's about you having teammates' backs when necessary.” So I would be surprised if Australia wasn't in the same situation.”
The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test in Perth.
The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.
The usual Boxing Day Test, taking place from December 26 to 30 at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, will take the series to the penultimate stage.
The fifth and final Test, taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the climax of the series and promises a dramatic conclusion to a thrilling match.
(With ANI inputs)
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