3 strategic factors that India need to consider for the Australian tour

India has been on a roll winning series after series in their backyard. Dominating performances at home have often overshadowed team India’s struggles away from home. Every time India embarks on an away tour, the limelight always falls on whether the team can win the series especially in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand & Australia) countries.

Here is a look on the key strategic factors that India need to consider on India’s tour of Australia 2018.

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#1 Criteria of selection not to be on the basis of home performances

The surreal series wins over opposition teams have seen India ticking all the right boxes required to win a Test series at home. The player’s performance in home conditions often becomes a crucial factor in selection for away series. Team India will be welcomed in Australia with fast and bouncy pitches unlike the dry and slow conditions at home.

The selection of the Test squad therefore should be done taking into consideration the condition of the pitches, players’ temperament and mental skills to face the lightning Aussie quicks on those flat bouncy pitches. The lessons from the recently concluded England series sound as a warning bell before Team India boards the flight to Australia.

#2 Avoiding constant chopping & changing of playing XI

Building Confidence within the players

Constant chopping and changing of the playing XI in away tours has deeply affected the performance of the team. The think-tank needs to bring stability and develop confidence in players regarding their place in the playing XI. The communication between the selectors and players must be clear stating what is expected of the player when they are being inducted in the team and also when they are dropped.

Constant chopping and changing of the playing XI dents the confidence of the players and the same is reflected in their performance. It has cost India matches in England and South Africa earlier this year and the skipper must ensure that such a thing is not repeated in Australia.

#3 Adequate practice games

Pratcice games would help India adjust to the conditions

India has had close encounters in the away tours to England and South Africa this year. India had their moments in the Test matches which they lost by very low margins. Before playing the firs Test, it is absolutely necessary that India get ample time to adjust to the conditions Down Under.

Having ample practice games before the Test series would give the players sufficient taste of the nature of pitches and what to expect from the Tests. This will help the team in sealing crucial moments in the game and avoid narrow losses.