Amid the re-evolution of their Test team after the suspension of Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia have roped in two Indian wrist spinners to prepare for their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. This innovative step has been taken in order to ensure the team’s preparation for spin bowling in Asian conditions.
Former Haryana cricketer Pradeep Sahu and Kerala’s KK Jiyas are the two bowlers who will assist the Aussies tackling spin variation. Both the Indian cricketers will be working as associates of former India all-rounder Sridharan Sriram, who has yet again been hired as a consultant in the side.
Meanwhile, veteran pacer Peter Siddle spoke about the kind of help with Sahu and Jiyas around. He said, “They're experienced and they're very good bowlers in their own right,” he explained. “They're putting in a good contest in the nets, they're bowling a lot of overs.”
Sahu has played 13 first-class matches between 2002 and 2010. He has also represented the Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2016.
Back in 2014 when Australia toured UAE, they found it extremely difficult when it came to facing leg-spinner Yasir Shah and Zulfikar Babar. Both scalped 12 and 14 Aussie wickets respectively in a 2-match series.
This time they will face 19-year-old Shadab Khan, another highly-rated leg-spinner, along with Shah.
The first Test starts on 7 October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.