#IndiaInAustralia: Mohammed Shami feels Men in Blue have an advantage
India's pace bowler Mohammed Shami feels his side will enjoy an advantage during the 4-match Test series against Australia. The hosts will be without the services of their star players, Steve Smith and David Warner, as they are serving a 12-month ban for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa. These two batsmen were tremendous last time, when India toured Down Under.
The absence of the stalwarts will weaken Australia
Shami highlighted that the absence of the duo means Australia will be a weakened side, but highlighted that India would still need to stick to their plans. "If those two don't play (Steve Smith, David Warner), they will obviously be weakened. But in the end, you have to stick to your plan and work on your strengths," Shami said.
Smith, Warner were terrific in the 2014-15 series
In the 2014-15 series when India toured Australia, Smith was in commanding form and helped his side thrash the visitors. He amassed 769 runs in 4 Tests at an average of 128.16. Warner was Australia's second highest run-scorer with 427. He had smashed 3 tons to play a crucial role. Not only Shami, several other pundits believe India can dominate Aussies, this time around.
Smith's impact on home soil is monumental
Smith is a lion at home and his impact in the 2017-18 Ashes was tremendous. He scored 687 runs with 3 hundreds to his name. Warner too chipped in with 441 runs. In 29 Tests, at home, Smith has slammed 3,090 runs with 13 hundreds. Without a shadow of doubt, Australia will miss out the genius of Smith in this pivotal series.
Shami feels India have to remain focused
India will have their task cut out against Australia especially after having lost the overseas Test series against South Africa and England in 2018. Even without two of their major assets, we can't rule out Australia. Shami cited that his side has to give 100% and they should remain focused for the challenge ahead. India have been bowling well outside home.
Smith, Warner were handed a ban in March 2018
Both the former Australian captain Smith and vice-captain Warner are serving a 12-month ban imposed upon them by Cricket Australia. The ban was awarded for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which happened during the Test series in South Africa, earlier this year, in March. They have been barred from playing domestic Sheffield Shield and the Big Bash Twenty20 competition besides international cricket.
India play four Tests starting December 6
The four Test series is set to begin on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. The second Test will be held at the Perth Stadium from from December 14 onwards. MCG will host the Boxing Day Test with the final match being at the SCG.
