Australia will find our spinners difficult to handle: Tiwary

His confidence boosted after a century in a warm-up game against Australia, Manoj Tiwary today sounded a warning to the visitors, saying that they are likely to struggle in the upcoming Test series against India given their susceptibility against quality spin bowling.

"It's going to be difficult for them. Their technique today was found wanting. Their defence wasn't right. If they play like this, it will be difficult for them," Tiwary said after striking 129 for India A here.

"If they face quality spinners like Bhajji pa (Harbhajan Singh), (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Pragyan) Ojha the way they have been bowling, it will be difficult for them," the Bengal batsman added after staking a claim for a maiden call-up to the Test side with a timely ton.
Tiwary said the Aussies were not sure of their defence.

"They didn't play our spinners as they should have. I think their technique was found wanting as far as facing spinners was concerned. They were not sure of their defence, to be honest. That's why they were not stretching enough to play the spinners and not going back enough either."

Conditions in the Indian sub-continent, especially the pitch, is another factor that could trouble Australia in the four-match series, according to Tiwary.

"This pitch was slow so their fast bowlers didn't get much help. They tried to get reverse swing going, but that also didn't happen much. Then they tried to hit the pads. If they get these kinds of wickets here, it will be difficult for all their bowlers, to be honest."

Though a middle-order batsman, Tiwary said he was open to batting at any position for the country.

"I am open to anything... I love challenges. Wherever the team management wants you to bat, if your country wants me to bat at No. 1 or No. 2, I will go despite being a middle-order batsman. You have to tackle the new ball... It will be difficult, but not impossible."