Irfan Pathan backs India to trump Australia in the ODI series

Irfan Pathan, the former Indian cricketer, reckons that India have the edge over Australia going into the three-match ODI series. Last year, the Aussies beat the Men in Blue 3-2 at the latter’s home after going 0-2 down in the series. But Irfan, who pulled the curtains down on his career a few days ago, feels that Indian cricket is now a tad head of Australia in terms of talent and confidence.

In 2019, India did beat the Aussies 2-1 when they toured Down Under. Irfan mentioned that the Aussies had the upper hand in the past, something which isn’t the case anymore. As per the southpaw, a lot depends on the nature of pitches dished out by the curators.

“In the past, that wasn’t the case because they were doing really well. We were trying to match that level. I feel that Indian cricket is a notch ahead in terms of talent, in terms of cricket and in terms of confidence,” Pathan, a Star Sports expert, was quoted as saying.

“The only thing that will make it equal is the kind of pitches we are going to play in Australia because we do not have experience playing on those hard and bouncy pitches,” the veteran stated.

The upcoming ODIs gets underway on Tuesday, January 14 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Rajkot and Bengaluru are the hosts for the last two matches on January 17 and 19 respectively.

Irfan Pathan goes down the memory lane

Irfan made his international debut against the Aussies in a Test at the Adelaide Oval. The speedster got Matthew Hayden as his maiden wicket and he said it to be one his most memorable moments. But his favourite memory happens to be the Test at the WACA in Perth in 2008.

India, led by Anil Kumble, won the game by 21 runs and Irfan was adjudged the Player of the Match. Irfan picked up five wickets and scored 74 runs in the match.

“It all started in Australia for me. The most memorable moment was getting my first wicket and helping India win a Test match in Australia after 21 years. Winning the Test in Perth and being named the Man of the Match is also a favourite memory for me,” he added.