Positive mindset will help India: Gilchrist

Home advantage a plus for Aussies, says ex-'keeper

Australia great Adam Gilchrist said a positive mindset would help India perform better in their upcoming tour of Australia, starting early December. 

“I cannot predict the outcome of the series. I am sure India would have learnt from their mistakes after a poor outcome in the Test series against England recently and a lot will depend on their mindset,” said the former wicket-keeper-batsman who was in the city on Friday to announce the second recipient of the annual Bradman Scholarship award for an Indian cricketer to study at the University of Wollongong, Australia. 

Jaipur’s Alankrit Jangid, pursuing his Bachelors’ degree in Business in Wollongong won the scholarship this year. 

Gilchrist felt that Australia would have the advantage of playing at home. “Australia will look to make the most of the home conditions and put up a good show. It was the same with Indians when they produced a terrific 4-0 result when Australia toured India last year,”. 

Though top spinners like Sunil Narine and Saeed Ajmal are under temporary suspensions for illegal bowling action, Gilchrist opined the upcoming World Cup would not be affected by the ICC move against bowlers with suspect action. 

“The game has witnessed the end of many greats including Sachin Tendulkar who will not be seen in the big event next year. Yet cricket has moved on and managed to bring great talents and moments to cherish. Hence I believe the World Cup will still be a successful even if popular players fail to make the trip.”  Speaking about the dismal performance of Australia in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan in Dubai, Gilchrist said Australia needed to fight hard. Australia lost the first Test and are struggling in the second Test currently on in Abu Dhabi.

“They need to dig it out and survive. It was a good toss for Pakistan to win in the second Test and full marks to them for their great all-round performance so far.”

Gilchrist picked Australia as one of the firm favourites to win the World Cup despite the side going through a transitional phase. 

When asked about his opinion on Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s inconsistent performance as skipper in the longer format, the left-hand batsmen said that Dhoni should be allowed to take the final call on his captaincy tenure.
 “He is an amazing cricketer who commands respect. He has too much on his plate while handling the leader’s role in all three formats.  

“I am sure he knows better than anyone else about his role,” he signed off.