India arei in Australia for T20I, Test and ODI series which started with the three-match series of the shortest format of the game. India and Australia finished the T20I series with a 1-1 drar and one game was washed out. The Virat Kohli-led side is now focussing to achieve success in the multiple-day format starting from December 6 in Adelaide. India recently thrashed the Windies in all the three formats of the game when they toured India in October and November.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Test series, Pujara said, "In India we have been doing really well but whenever we travel overseas there is always an extra motivation to do well. And we have been playing good cricket outside of India now and this is a very good opportunity for the team to perform well."
"Being the No. 1 Test team, we always look to win each and every series and this is no different. We definitely want to win the series, but one Test match at a time.”
Ashwin took 2-122 against the Cricket Australia XI in the practice match in Sydney and Pujara is of the opinion that the offie has made a lot of changes and is expected to do well in the four-match Test series Down Under. Ashwin has picked up 21 wickets at an average of 54.71 in six Test matches in Australia but he is looking forward to better his numbers this time.
"If you see his recent bowling, I think he has made a lot of changes. I can't describe what it is, not in front of the media. But he has made some adjustments which has helped him. He has played enough cricket in England which is obviously different conditions, not much help for the spinner. So I think when he's playing in Australia, he knows what he has to do,” said the Indian batsman.
"He has also played a series in 2015 (here) so he's very confident now. And whatever adjustments he had to make, he has already done it."
Only Ashwin and Rohit were seen hitting the nets session today as the team management decided to give the visitors a day rest as they fielded for 150 overs during the practice game against Cricket Australia XI. The Saurashtra cricketer said that the trainer and physio are monitoring the workload on the players and the players are happy with the off break. This will allow them to stay fresh ahead of the first Test.
"We got what we wanted in the practice game and the trainer and the physio has been monitoring the workload. We thought that it was best to take a break today and train for the next two days and be fresh for the Test match,” explained Pujara.
"We utilized all three days (in Sydney) properly. We also had some net practice while the game was going on so I don't think it was a concern at all. We got enough practice and we did what we wanted."
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