Prior to the start of India’s much-awaited tour of Australia, everything appeared headed south for the reigning ODI world champions. But one good result can set about a change in mood, and coach Justin Langer believes his team has had enough of “getting bashed up”.
Visibly relieved at being able to arrest a four-match winless streak in T20Is with a four-run win in the series opener against India at Brisbane on Wednesday, 21 November, Langer was vocal about the galvanising effect on his wards ahead of the second game in Melbourne.
What did it (the win) do the team? I loved seeing the way we were brave. We talked about it. Aussies are great at getting to a point where (we say): ‘We have had enough of this. It doesn’t matter what part of our summer - we have had enough of it’Justin Langer, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald
Glenn Maxwell’s blazing cameo, a solid all-round display from Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa’s incisive bowling took Australia to a narrow, DLS-aided victory in the opening game at the Gabba. It was only Australia’s sixth win in 23 matches across competitions since the suspensions of Steven Smith and David Warner – and only their third excluding games against Zimbabwe and UAE.
We have had enough of getting beaten, we have had enough of getting bashed up and I just loved how brave the boys were. The way they fielded, the way they batted, they were brave, they had a red-hot dip.Justin Langer, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald
The against-the-grain Aussie win sets things up nicely for a tour which India entered with hopes of rare success Down Under. Virat Kohli’s side face a must-win scenario at the MCG on Friday, 23 November, to extend their run of consecutive bilateral T20I series wins, which presently stands at seven.
“Hopefully, they were some really good signs. The way they ran around, dived around, there were some challenging overs with the bowling but let's not underestimate we are bowling to some great players as well,” said Langer.”
“It's going to be an arm-wrestle all summer. India are a very good team but there are some really good signs.”
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