Australia call up an Indian bowler to the nets as preparation for Pakistan series

Calling up uncapped or little-known players in the nets, as a part of the preparation to counter a specific team or player, is becoming increasingly common in cricket. We have seen the Indian team as well. Rajasthan and Royal Challengers Bangalore fast bowler Aniket Choudhary was called to the nets by the Indian team management to help prepare Indian batsman fight the threat of Mitchell Starc, ahead of Australia’s tour of India in 2016.

This time around, the Australian team’s think tank has sought the services of left-arm wrist spinner K.K. Jiyas to prepare against Pakistan’s spin threat before the two-Test match series in Dubai next month.

The 26-year-old Indian, who plays for Masters Royal Centurion CC in the Ernakulam first division league, is currently in the United Arab Emirates and will bowl to the Australian batsmen in the nets. Australia will play Pakistan at their adopted home ground – the UAE. This is the second time Australia has sought the services of Jiyas.

“I am very excited to be bowling to Australian batsmen again. Sriram asked me if I was willing to come to Dubai to bowl to the Australian batsmen in the nets. I didn’t have to think much to accept the offer again,” Jiyas was quoted as saying by sports star’s website.

Pakistan’s chance of revival

The two-Test series begins on October 7 in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi hosting the second match from October 16. The Test series will be followed by three Twenty20 matches.

Pakistan have just suffered massive humiliation in the Asia Cup and will be hoping to resurrect their form going into the series against Australia. However, their main concern at the moment will primarily be the 2019 World Cup, and they would have hoped to play an ODI series too against Australia. In T20Is, Pakistan are a force to reckon with anyway.

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