A series in Australia where the pacers had no role to play, this is something which is very hard to find in history. But the ongoing series is an example of just that. The Indian batsmen are not complaining at all. They like it where the pitch is nice and flat and the pace bowlers are gentle.
India have already lost the ODI series in the first three matches. Australia have taken a unmovable lead of 0-3 in the five-match series. But the Indian batting order produced three 295 plus runs innings already. They have been on a run-scoring spree, comfortably playing on the front foot.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and recently Shikhar Dhawan all have been among the top performers. Rohit has two hundreds to his name while Kohli has one. The Indians have batted beautifully and with ease in the ODI series so far.
However, that is likely to change in the Twenty20 series. In a clear indication the Australian selectors have decided it’s time for some chin music for India’s top order. To carry out the job of testing the Indian team and put them on the backfoot, the home side will be unleashing the most terrifying bowler in their Twenty20 League this season, Shaun Tait.
It is the reward of some really quick, 150 km/ph plus thunderbolts, bowled in the Big Bash League. In a devastating spell for the Hobart Hurricanes he shook up both Kallis and Watson of the Sydney Sixers with short balls and send them back in the first over of their innings. He ended up picking four wickets in that match.
“Tait bowled some very fast balls to me” said Watson
Watson, who was also picked for the T20s, after his selection said, “I did face him. I faced two balls, one was a very fast bouncer and the other one I nicked off, so he was very good.”
Tait will be making a comeback to international cricket after five years. His selection had created similar excitement when he was picked to play against India in the Test match at the WACA in 2007-08. But, back then India had Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar to successfully negotiate his pace.
It will be an interesting battle this time when he takes on Rohit & Kohli in his backyard. They have played him in the IPL, but at the top of his game, he will pose a different challenge. And Tait will be really charged up to make an impact with his comeback.
“Tait’s an X-Factor, always has been” said Marsh
Australia’s selection committee chairman Rod Marsh said, “Tait’s an X-Factor, always has been. I still believe he has a lot to offer, with his body right and bowling fast, the way he releases the ball is different to anything you face, so it’s awesome he’s got another opportunity.”
“We don’t know and I don’t know whether we’ll find out - it’s up to Shaun now. He’s probably the fastest bowler in the country at the moment. You do need a bit of pace in T20 cricket.”
Tait’s selection will be a added boast to the Australian team as the are currently without an experienced fast-bowler.
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