We won't be underestimating Pakistan: Peter Nevill

Peter Nevill, the New South Wales wicket-keeper, was a surprised man when his name was announced in the T20 squad. The Wicket-keeper known as a Test specialist came into the team at the coast of the underperforming Matthew Wade.

The Australian selectors took the step to include the 30-year-old in the team with a solid confidence that they have enough batting depth. But, this assumption has slowly turned wrong with the batting order’s under-par show.

Firstly, they lost by 8 runs to New Zealand in the Super 10 stage opener then they nearly scrambled their way to victory against Bangladesh while chasing 157 and eventually got to the target with three wickets to spare. Nevill was not out on both occasions but didn’t get a chance to do much with the bat. But, according to him, he’s enjoying his primary duty on tour, i.e. wicket keeping.

“The fundamentals of a wicketkeeper have to be the same, but obviously it is a lot more exciting with a lot of spin. A lot of wickets we have trained so far have turned quite a lot. It’s fun to practice your wicket-keeping when the ball is ripping past the bat. It is always enjoyable as a wicketkeeper,” said Nevill.

He also made it a point that he isn’t looking too far ahead. Nevill hadn’t played in any limited-overs game for Australia prior to his selection for this the World T20.

“I have been selected to do a particular role here, and haven’t looked (at) anything beyond that. With respect to national selection, Test match cricket was entirely the focus before this opportunity popped up, and I am enjoying every minute of it,” he said.

Nevill, who is not known for his batting capabilities, admitted that he was working on it.

“Absolutely. I have been trying to learn as much as I can. To have guys like Michael Hussey around (is excellent). I have been also been chatting around a lot with Finchy (Aaron Finch) and Shane Watson. We have got some incredible T20 International batsmen to learn from. I have, sort of, tried to be as much as a sponge I could be in the training and learn as much as I can,” he said.

Australia’s batting order is currently facing an awkward problem, they have too many talented people vying and specializing for the same spot. Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja and Shane Watson are all fighting out for the opener’s spot while David Warner has been pushed down to the middle order to create some firepower there. The experiment during the South Africa tour prior to the World T20 but doesn’t seem to be working in the mega event. Nevill has a different opinion and think it is not a cause of concern.

“I think our order is a good order. We have certainly got the batsmen to put in the top performances in this match, and I am confident they will do that. We haven’t been as clinical as we wanted to be, but this game against Pakistan is a good opportunity. A lot of guys in the change room will be really looking to turn it on and put some big performance,” he added.

Australia face Pakistan in their next encounter at the PCA stadium in Mohali. The fixture is certainly an important one for both teams. Nevill states that Pakistan will not be taken lightly even if the opposition look meek at the moment.

“That may covered in our team meeting this afternoon, but I would imagine we would just want to win this game and the next game against India. If you drop one of these games, then obviously we are relying on other results going our way. We rather not be in that position. The game against Pakistan is a must-win for us.

“I certainly don’t think Pakistan lack batting firepower. We just have to look at a couple of players who, on their day, could be really destructive. I certainly know there won’t be any complacency from our point of view. We won’t be underestimating them. If we don’t perform well, we will lose,” said Nevill.