It will be 4-2 in favour of Australia, says Slater

Michael Slater speaks the way he used to bat out there. Here in India as an expert commentator for the on-going India-Australia series for Neo Sports, the former Aussie opener has keenly followed the progress of the two teams in the seven-match Future Cup series and thinks the visitors will run away with the cup 4-2. A day after India beat the world champions by 8 runs in the 4th ODI at Chandigarh, Slater spoke to DNA Vijay Tagore

MUMBAI: India have beaten Australia. What do you make of it?

That is after over three years and about 10 ODIs later. That is it.

Do you think the Indians have finally got the measure of the Aussies?

It was a good comprehensive win in Chandigarh, no doubt, but it I think the Aussies had one bad day.

So you mean to say it was a one-off win for India?

No, I would not say that. India have played extremely well under pressure. They went into the match with an attacking midset.

They made some positive changes. India were also playing, for the first time, without the pressure of chasing a score. They kept up the pressure on the Australian team till the end.

They have done well but I still think the world champions had a bad day. To beat Australia every time, India need to keep the pressure up, have good starts, bat as well as they had done in Chandigarh.

They have to play a complete game.

But what were the changes that you thought were positive in India’s approach? And what should they do to beat the Ausies?

Batting order to begin with. But I’m not sure they will have the same line-up if India were to lose an early wicket. They had a good start and hence could afford Yuvraj Singh at No. 3 and Dhoni at No. 4.

But if they were to Iose an early wicket, I’m sure India would send Rahul Dravid at No. 3. That changes things.

Then they have brought in Murali Kartik. He has bowled well. It was a good change. Besides, playing RP Singh was a good move. He was rusty to begin with on Monday but he bowled well in the death.

He had bowled very well in South Africa. I’m surprised he was not played from the first match. Besides, they need to have consistently good starts. 

What are the weaknesses that Dhoni & Co can exploit in the Australian team?

I don’t think there are any. This is a complete team.

The 4th and 5th bowlers?

You may call James Hopes as a weak link in the Australian attack but not a chink to be exploited. But the fact of the matter is that he has been doing well.

Brad Hogg is also bowling extremely well. Indians have not been able to target him. But my contention is India cannot go into a match hoping to exploit the 4th and 5th bowlers. If they do, they are not going to win too many matches.

They have to attack the No. 1, 2 and 3 bowlers too. If you cannot hit Brett Lee for boundaries, then you should not think of winning.

It may be difficult to hit him but at some stage India have to take calculated risk against the likes of Lee. You have to target all the bowlers, not just one or two. That won’t win you matches.

What do you think are the weaknesses in the Indian team?

The bowling, to begin with. There is a sameness in the attack. India need to have versatality in their bowling. That is missing.

Three left-arm pacers and a left-arm spinner is not an ideal combination. India have to have S Sreesanth. He may go for some runs but he takes wickets too. I will take him in the XI at any time.

What about Sachin Tendulkar? Do you think he is good enough to continue?

I feel Sachin has a lot to offer to Indian cricket. He is no longer the batsman he used to be but when you don’t have a replacement or good enough youngsters, you have to have him around.

He is still winning matches for India.

And what about Yuvraj Singh? How do you rate him?

He is the Andrew Symonds of India. He is a good attacking batsman who can change the complexion of the match.

And Dhoni?

I’m impressed with his captaincy. He is good with the bat and a very cool captain.

He is a nice choice to lead the team.

Finally, what is your prediction for the series? Will it be 4-2 India?

No, it will be 4-2 Australia.