Debutant Henriques raring to go

Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques is all set to make his Test debut against India in the first Test, beginning at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday.

Henriques spoke to media prior to Australia’s training session on Wednesday about his role in the team and the atmosphere within the team ahead of an important series.

Excerpts:

On making Test debut in India: India is a place I would love to come and play. I have got a good lot of memories here of cricket and otherwise.

On his role: My role in the side has not changed from that I have been playing so far in the home season. I have a big role to play with the bat and a role also to play with the ball. That’s my focus.

On whether his experiences with KKR in the IPL help in Tests: The wickets for T20 cricket are completely different and there is not much spin in the shorter format. I think the conditions for Test match here will be completely different. 

On his preparedness for the Test series: I am always aware of the conditions and I have got some plans in place to go out there and enjoy combat. I have been watching the footage of some of the matches, and trying to keep a close look.

On the strategy of a new-look batting team: It is going to be extremely important. The openers generally work on getting a good start and the guys in the middle probably going to be at the toughest against reverse swing or the spin bowlers bowling with fielders around their back. 

On his approach as a bowler:  When I was a young bowler I used to be a tear-away. Having suffered a lot of injuries going I had to adapt and changed a few things to suit my body. I am now trying my best to remain consistently bowl my lengths and get some movement and to reverse swing. I think that obviously does very well here.