NEW DELHI: The series is currently tied at 1-1, and Team India will look to come out all guns blazing as they aim to take the lead against Australia in the fourth Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting December 26. India previously secured back-to-back series wins in Australia, first under Virat Kohli‘s leadership in 2018-19 and then with Ajinkya Rahane at the helm in 2020-21. Now, with Rohit Sharma as captain, Team India is eyeing an unprecedented third straight triumph Down Under.
On being asked about the team’s plans, India pacer Akash Deep said: “Jo plan hai wo nahi bata sakte, wo bhi tayyar ho jayenge (We can’t reveal our plans, as they’ll prepare accordingly).”
“As fast bowlers, we will stick to the same deliveries and maintain discipline in our bowling. We will bowl from both over and around the wicket, assess the pitch and conditions, and plan accordingly,” Akash Deep added while addressing reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
“I think Travis Head, in particular, struggles against short balls. We won’t let him settle at the crease. We’ll target specific areas and hope to force him into mistakes, which will create chances for us,” he stated.
Bowling in Australia
Akash Deep, who has played just one Test on the tour in Brisbane and claimed three wickets in the match, reflected on the challenges of bowling in Australian conditions.
“It is a bit difficult. I have played most of my cricket in India. We can bowl shorter lengths there, but here it is a bit of a challenge,” he explained.
“Sometimes you think you are bowling really well. Jo bhi wicket ya condition ho, as a fast bowler discipline mein rehna kaafi important hota hai (Whatever the conditions or wickets are, as a fast bowler, you need to maintain discipline),” Akash Deep added.
India began the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in style with a commanding 295-run win over Australia in Perth but suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the day-night Test in Adelaide. The third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw, setting the stage for a decisive showdown in Melbourne.