Marcus Stoinis, Australia’s limited-overs specialist, believes the current squad can help them reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the four-Test series beginning next month. However, the all-rounder admitted that defeating India in their own backyard will be difficult.
Australia has not held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since regaining it following the 2014-15 home series. Since then, the Baggy Greens have lost twice in Australia and once in India. Stoinis told ANI that Australia will do everything possible to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“We don’t want to lose our trophy this time even though our team never wants to lose it as it could be the third time but we don’t want to give up this year. Our squad is too strong and facing India on their soil is a bit difficult as we have to play on spin tracks over there,” he said.
Marcus Stoinis added that India poses a significant threat on the spinning decks, particularly with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin among their ranks.
“India have some specialist bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja. Those can really bowl well but we are also coming with some specialist spinners, so you can expect a good competition this time,” he said.
In an attempt to overtake India, Australia has selected four spinners in their 18-man squad, with off-spinner Nathan Lyon leading the pack. Lyon had a memorable time in India during the 2016-17 season and hopes to do so again.
The 33-year-old believes Virat Kohli will pose a significant threat to the tourists’ chances and believes he is one of the best Test batters in the world. However, Stoinis admits that Rishabh Pant will be missed by India and wishes him a speedy recovery.
“Kohli is a world-class batsman and has returned to form and he is one of the best Test batters, so he could be the biggest threat once again for us. But one player who will be missed this season badly is Rishabh Pant. He is unfortunately not with the team. I wish he recovers soon and comes back to the field,” Stoinis said.
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