Cricket Australia gives special roles to Monty Panesar and former Indian bowler

It’s a widely accepted fact that Team India is undisputed at home. As Australia are expected to tour the No.1 team next month for a four-Test series they’re leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. In the latest development, Cricket Australia has appointed former Indian left-arm orthodox Sriram Sridharan as the spin consultant for the Indian tour.

Sriram represented India in 8 One Day Internationals and toured with the Australian squad to Sri Lanka and India last year. He was optimistic about his role and the Test series slated to kick off from 23rd February in Pune.

“I consider it a great honour to be given the opportunity to work with the Australian Men’s Team once again. I really look forward to adding value and contributing to a winning cause, against a quality opposition. India is regarded as one of the toughest places to tour as a Test playing nation and I am looking forward to the challenge,” he was quoted by News18 as saying.

Australian team’s performance manager praised the decision saying, “He knows our players very well and has a wealth of knowledge on the conditions that our players will face in India,”

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Along with Sridharan, Cricket Australia also seeks Monty Panesar’s services before the team departs for the tour. He’s expected to spend a week in Brisbane to impart his knowledge and guide the spinners. Panesar had taken 17 wickets in the 2012-13 England tour to India which the Poms had won.

On the other hand, Team India is yet to be defeated at home in Tests since that series. The Australian selectors have named four spinners in the squad. Nathan Lyon is expected to lead the spin attack which also comprises of Ashton Agar, Steve O’Keefe, and uncapped Mitchell Swepson. With Australians taking everything in hand to bolster their chances at the subcontinent, this makes up for an exciting contest to watch out for.