Australian batsmen looked scared against India: David Saker

Australia’s stand-in head coach David Saker feels that the touring side was not bold and he accused the batsmen of playing in a scared manner during the ODI series against India. Steve Smith’s Australian team was beaten 4-1 by a strong Indian side. The hosts moved up to the top of the ICC rankings in ODI. The visitors failed to capitalize on the good starts and were undone by the Indian bowlers time and again.

Ahead of the fresh three T20I series, Saker has said that it is the mindset that needs to change going into the shortest format of the game. Captain Smith had earlier said that they are in need of match-winners, and such a scenario just before the Ashes will ring warning bells for the Aussies. “It’s not mainly personnel, I think it’s mainly just their mindset and where they are in their games,” said Saker.

We can fix it: Saker

“A lot of them are playing a little bit scared, which we try not to do. We try and make sure they play with a lot of freedom and express themselves as much as they can. But when you’re losing, you play scared, you go insular and you start looking after number one. I think there’s little bits of that. It’s not dramatic and we know we can fix that. I think the talent is there.” he added.

The head coach is also aware of Australia’s poor overseas performance but at the same time he feels that the potential is always there. “Obviously, our away form has been quite dreadful so we have to have a look at that. The next World Cup is away [from Australia],” he added. “I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom, I think there’s some talent in that team. But there’s no doubt we have to probably re-jig a few things and see where we’re at.” Saker said.