Australia batsman George Bailey says his team is looking forward to renewing their fierce rivalry with India in the upcoming five-match ODI series, starting in Perth Tuesday (07:20 UAE time).
Bailey feels his team is aware that the Indians will go hard at them as beating the Aussies in their backyard is a big target for MS Dhoni’s team.
“We have got a rich history and a really strong rivalry with India. We have fought some fierce battles, both in India and here over the last few years. They have played some very strong, aggressive brand of cricket in much as the same way as we do. So, we have to be at our best. Some young guys have come in after the change of guard, post the World Cup, but the rivalry will be as strong,” said Bailey ahead of the first ODI.
Bailey said his team’s comfortable semi-final win over India in last year’s World Cup won’t be in the mind of either team.
“It is a big deal for them to try and beat us and particularly away from home. We have got a great record in one-day cricket, including the World Cup. But there has been a huge amount of changes to the side which played that World Cup final. There’s been a change of guard, a lot of guys are trying to find their place and some of us are trying to make sure that we can stay in the team for as long as we can,” said Bailey.
Talking about the pitch at Perth, Bailey said the wicket has a fair amount of pace and should suit the hosts.
“It’s a typical WACA wicket, we have had some high-scoring games here over the past few years. But I always feel that the bowlers get pretty excited, they weren’t much fun to face in the nets today. So I imagine they would be licking their lips at the opportunity to get some pace and bounce.”
Meanwhile, rookie fast bowler Barinder Sran is in line to make his international debut for India in the opening one-dayer. India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun said Sran would give the team an added advantage as a left-armer.
Sran is expected to get his chance after Mohammed Shami injured his hamstring in Friday’s T20 game and left Australia.