The Australian contingent has more all-rounders who can add a lot of power: Abhishek Nayar

India and Australia square off in a three-match ODI series ahead of the highly-anticipated ODI World Cup. This will be the final dress rehearsal for the two teams, as they hope to mesmerise on the global stage once again. The first ODI will be played on Friday, September 22, in Mohali.

Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar shared his views while comparing the all-rounders in the Indian and Australian teams. While India have the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur in their ranks, Australia can bank upon the likes of Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis. Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott are primarily bowlers but can also contribute with the bat. Nayar feels that the Aussie all-rounders have more firepower with the bat and can pick up wickets as well.

“The Australian contingent has more all-rounders who can contribute with the bat and ball and add a lot of power. On the flip side, the Indian all-rounders will take their time. They can be aggressive but that is only after they’re settled in. I feel like that’s something India is going to be wary about. One is whether or not they can compete with the power that the Australians have. Two, can their all-rounders pick wickets like we know the Australian all-rounders have the ability to," Nayar said in a conversation on JioCinema’s ‘Home of the Blues'.

They are not thinking about what the score is, they are thinking to hit big: Nayar

Nayar also spoke about the importance of Indian bowlers chipping in with wickets at regular intervals to stem the flow of runs against the destructive batters of Australia. Fascinatingly enough, he also further pointed out that the Australian batter will not be too worried about what the score suggests, rather they will be looking to score quickly with constant big hits. So it is quite vital that bowlers should be able to take wickets to break the momentum of the batters at high-scoring venues.

"You have the likes of Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja, if they can keep pegging them and picking up wickets, then you have a good chance against this strong Australian batting lineup. I really believe that in a high-scoring venue, it's important to pick wickets. Not only the top bowlers but everyone that comes into bowl should pick wickets. You expect Kuldeep Yadav and Shardul Thakur to pick wickets and Ravindra Jadeja to keep it tight and do the same as well," he further continued.

"You are looking at Australian players that can be destructive regardless of the situation. They are not thinking about what the score is, they are thinking to hit big. When you have players with that mindset, you want to make sure you have wicket-taking options,” Nayar concluded.