India are batting really well, we will have to score big: Marcus Stoinis

All-rounder Marcus Stoinis is ready for the 5-match ODI series and is very much aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The 1st ODI will take place on September 17, in Chennai. The Australian is in good form. He has scored a 60-ball 76 to help his side to a 103-run win over the Board’s Presidents XI in the practice match at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Just like the previous occasion, Stoinis feels that this time too, 300 will be a par score. Both the teams have got some power hitter in their ranks and they will look to pile up as much as possible.

High scoring series ahead

“I think we have to score a lot of runs in this series. They (India) are batting really well. I think heavy runs, 350 it will be for sure,” he said when asked if scores over 300 would be the norm in the upcoming ODI series.

“Positives with the bat is, the batters made good runs early and in terms of spinners Ashton Agar bowled beautifully. Just understanding the conditions and the lengths one has to bowl,” he said.

Stoinis said playing in the IPL and having knowledge of the conditions helped him perform better. “Obviously, being exposed to conditions helped. Also, working with (Sridharan) Sriram has been good. Sriram and I get on well together. We were in Delhi together during my first IPL and it is good for me,” the all-rounder added.

“It is a good headache to have. However, James Faulkner and myself are different types of all-rounders. I am a batting all-rounder and he is probably more on the bowling side and a left-armer and brings a different aspect to the team’s bowling. It is upto the selectors,” he said.

Too big a total to chase

Meanwhile, Board President’s XI coach Hemang Badani said Australia total was 40 too many.

“It was definitely not a 350 wicket and the Aussie total was 40 too many. 280-290 we would have planned differently. Chasing nearly 350, it was difficult from ball one. A target of around 280-290 would have been an even game,” Badani said