In recent times cricket Australia has gone to take the help of England cricketers as its consultants. Stylish and one of the most prolific scorers in first class cricket – if not in Tests Gream Hick is already working as batting coach.
And now Monty Panesar, who played a key role in England’s win in India in 2012/13 will be working as their spin consultant when Australia tour India next month for four Test matches. In that series Panesar picked 17 wickets. Swan and he became thorns in Indian’s flesh, helping England win the series.
Of course former Indian left-arm spinner Sridhar Sriram, who assisted the Australian in Sri Lanka and 2016 20-20 cup will also be mentoring the Aussie spinners as well. This time Australia has included four specialist spinners in their squad in Lyon, O’Kefee, Agar and Swepson. Even Maxwell, who is in the team can learn some tricks.
Not a bad move to give the home side a taste of its own medicine, keeping the spin tracks they are going to get in India in mind. Both Panesar and Sridhar being the left-armers it might help the Aussies spinners to hone some special skills.
Sriram will go with the squad to Dubai on January 29 where the Australians will have a training camp at the ICC Academy and will then work with the side through the tour that follows later.
They, I am sure can provide their expertise as the wickets in India tend to offer help to the spinners. Since Sriram being Indian he can be of a great help to the Aussies.
BY Sudeer Mahavaadi – DD Commentator
