Dean Jones has claimed Australia would need to score more than 400 in the first innings of their four Test matches against India in order to stand any chance of winning the series in the grueling sub-continental conditions.
“I am worried about the Australians' preparation. To do well in India is as much about state of mind. Playing in India will push your body and mind to places they haven't been. It will be difficult for this team to quickly adapt to the heat and the pitches,” Jones wrote in column for the Sydney Morning Herald.
“If Australia does well, they must not dwell too much on the toss. England won their recent four-Test series there despite only winning one toss,” he added.
“The key to winning in India is a 400-plus first innings score, not 300 as in other countries. You cannot win chasing big scores in the second dig. Batting on days four and five is bloody difficult as the ball reverses big time, and the spinners and bat pads are all over you,” he further added.
“If India defeats us, we will be in all sorts of trouble for the Ashes tour that starts in July. Michael Clarke is crucial. Team harmony is so important when they are on the road. The players need to remain positive and have fun.
“They have to deal with viruses and stomach bugs. They have to know how to play with such conditions and deal with the heat,” he said.
“If I were Clarke, I would make one thing clear. If I heard one player say, ‘Gee, it's bloody hot out here,' I would rip into them. We all know it's hot and humid, just deal with it and get to work,” he added.
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