Having practiced in Mumbai and with a few of their players already acclimatised to the conditions during their time in the Champions League Twenty20, the touring Australian side are prepared to take on India in the only T20I to be played on Thursday evening.
“In a one match series it is hard to have favourites particularly in a format like twenty20 where one individual or one performance with the bat can take away the game so quickly. So, if there is a favourite it is by a very small margin,” Bailey told the media ahead of the match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
“The training was good. The boys that were involved in the Champions League Twenty20 slotted in the second session. Having been here for a couple of weeks (already) they are ready to go. It was pretty light in terms of getting ready. For the rest of the boys it was a good hit-out for a couple of days. It is nice to spend a bit of time to getting used to the conditions. They can be pretty different and so is getting into the T20 mindset,” he mentioned while elaborating on their preparations.
Although they have had a few good sessions, an area that the Australians are considered to be slightly suspect in is negotiating spin bowling. Discussing their preparedness for handling spin Bailey said, “Every time we arrive here there is a big focus on how we are going to play the spinners and always working towards it. I think we have a number of players who play spin really well and it’s a matter of executing that in the heat of the battle. First and foremost you have to have a really clear plan and work through it with your partner in the middle, summing up the situation of when and where to go. India has some quality spinners.”
While speaking about the Indian team, Bailey said, “Their record speaks for itself, especially in the shorter formats. They are a very good team.” One of the key players from the Indian side who can change the outcome of a game is Yuvraj Singh who has made his way back into the national side. Asked about their plans for Yuvraj, the Australia captain said, “He is a really dangerous and powerful player. He can come in and look really casual and be working around but has the capacity to clear the ropes. So, I think with him it’s about being really clear on your plans and try and stay aggressive throughout.”
Speaking about the composition of his own side, the Australia skipper said that they haven’t decided on the side yet and will do so later. However, he did confirm that Nic Maddinson will make his debut. “I think this format really suits him. He has had a good Australian winter for us and it’s really about him continuing that. He is an aggressive player, loves to take the game on. He has the lot of attribute that we like in a twenty20 handy left-arm spinner as well,” the skipper said.
