Confident Aussie claims 'momentum' for Perth Test
A bold claim from Australian opener Marcus Harris is set to raise a few eyebrows heading into the crucial second Test against India in Perth.
Emboldened by a stirring Adelaide fightback, Australia are claiming the momentum heading into the crucial Perth showdown, despite India’s 1-0 series lead.
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Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins’ rearguard batting effort ensured the first Test went down to the wire with India eventually prevailing by 31 runs.
Skipper Virat Kohli declared after the match that India had the momentum to go one step further and claim a historic series victory in Australia, but the superstar batsman had cut a frustrated figure at times as Australia’s tail dug in.
Young opener Harris says Lyon and Cummins set the standard for Australia’s underperforming batsmen to emulate in the second Test starting on Friday.
“I think we took some good confidence from the fight that we showed,” Harris said.
“I know as a batter I looked it and thought ‘bugger, I wish I could have got 60 or 70’.
“We got pretty close. Hopefully we can take some momentum into the game on Friday. I think the wicket will probably suit us a little bit more just with the conditions.”
“That’s taking nothing away from India, but I just think we can take a little bit of momentum.
“I think the boys bowled really and the bowlers batted really well, so it’s probably on us batters to take a bit of the weight from them.”
India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun expected Australia to come hard at the tourists but said they would not be intimidated.
“I thought (Australia) played exceptionally well … chasing (323) in a last innings is not going to be easy,” he said.
“We are also aware that it’s their home conditions and beating any team on their home soil is going to be extremely difficult.”
Both squads trained at the WACA on Wednesday, seizing the opportunity to practice in the middle ahead of the series shifting to the new Perth Stadium.
Skipper Tim Paine, who was struck on his troublesome right index finger while batting in Adelaide, did not take part in Australia’s optional session.
The Australian camp insist however he is certain to play in Perth.
Mitchell Starc, who came under fire for his wayward second-innings bowling in Adelaide, spent time bowling in the middle to Harris and Usman Khawaja while fellow quicks Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and spinner Lyon walked laps.
Starc spoke at length with coach Justin Langer during the team’s warm-up.
“He felt like he was in good rhythm out there so I’m sure he’s ready and raring to go,” Harris said.
Reserve paceman Peter Siddle and allrounder Mitch Marsh, who appears unlikely to earn a recall in Perth, also sent down overs.
The use of a drone, operated by team analyst Dene Hills, to capture training footage was a notable feature of the WACA hitout.
It has become common practice for AFL clubs to use the remote-controlled cameras to help review and improve on training standards.
The top-of-the-range drone was also used to capture footage when the ODI squad trained at the WACA during the series against South Africa last month.
It’s understood strict flight restrictions, which do not apply at the WACA, have prevented Hills from using it at other venues.
Perth Stadium curator Brett Sipthorpe is set to unveil a grassy wicket for the second Test, and predicts the team winning the toss will send the opposition in to bat.