Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said India have the pace threat and aggression to win Tests away from home and it’s just a matter of time before results go their way.
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The Indians lost by four wickets to Australia in Saturday’s second Test in Brisbane after going down all guns blazing by 48 runs chasing 364 in the opening Adelaide Test.
While India had been in contention in both Tests, the Australians won the key moments to turn around the contests.
The Brisbane loss was India’s fifth straight away defeat and their 15th in the last 18, with only one win. India were thumped 3-1 in England this year and trail Australia 2-0 in the four-match Border-Gavaskar series, but Dhoni is undeterred.
“There’s plenty of areas we’re showing improvement, but we’re still not crossing the line,” Dhoni said.
“We need to give it a bit more time. Once they start crossing that line, once they harness that aggression in the right channel you’ll see plenty of good results from this side.”
Dhoni, lining up for his 90th Test match as a player and 60th as captain in the third Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day, said it is important for India to compete against the Australians in what is the toughest tour for overseas teams.
“The exciting thing is we have competed. What’s really important is it can turn at any point of time,” he said.
“The competition has been good, though the results have not been in our favour. It’s exciting to see the youngsters putting up a fight. It’s just a matter of time. It will turn out to be a very consistent side.”
Dhoni said it was important for his team to fight it out to the end of their Test matches, irrespective of their situation in the contest.
“It’s important that you fight it out with the opposition and then whatever the result is, you accept it,” he said.
“At the same time, you don’t throw in the towel. It was quite good to see our fast bowlers still running in, giving 100 per cent.
“We have seen the execution power of our fast bowlers has increased.
“Ishant Sharma is the leader of the pack. He is someone who can now consistently bowl in one area.
“Varun Aaron is still raw. He does go for runs, but it’s exciting to see somebody from India bowling at a good pace and using the bouncer to get the opposition out.
“We were able to get a few wickets in Australia’s second innings and that helps the youngsters learn that to get another 50, 60, 70 runs it can really matter. Especially, when it comes to Australia and a fifth-day wicket.”
India have not beaten Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 33 years and have lost their last five Tests there by big margins.
Meanwhile, batsman Joe Burns was a surprise addition to Australia’s 13-man squad for the third Test against India, starting in Melbourne on December 26.
The 25-year-old Queensland right-hander was named as a replacement for injured Mitchell Marsh.
Burns has yet to play Test cricket, but reached his highest first-class score of 183 against New South Wales last month to put himself in the frame for selection.
“It took a fair while to sink in,” Burns said after he was called by chief selector Rod Marsh with the news yesterday.
“I’m over the moon at the news as it is the best Christmas present I could ever hope for.”
Team coach Darren Lehmann said Burns offered flexibility with his ability to bat anywhere in the top six.
“He’s a very good player against fast bowling, he’s had a good couple of summers at the Gabba with Queensland,” Lehmann said.
“There have been some good contenders for that spot and it’s always a tough call on other players.
“He’s a very aggressive player, which is the way we like to play our cricket.
“We went with Joe, he’s a younger player and we feel he has something about him.”
Lehmann said selectors went with an extra batsman for Marsh after Shane Watson bowled well in India’s second innings to adequately fill Marsh’s all-rounder role.
Marsh, who injured his right hamstring while bowling on the opening day of the Gabba Test, will stay with the Test squad and be assessed for the fourth Sydney Test, starting on January 6.
Lehmann said opener David Warner had a bruised left thumb after being struck by India paceman Umesh Yadav on the final day of the Gabba Test.
“Last night it was just bruised so hopefully he pulls up alright and we’ll get to Melbourne and sum it up as we go,” he said.
“The initial signs are good and I’m pretty confident he’s going to be fine.”
