PERTH: For a side that was world number one in Tests some months back, India have been surprisingly out of sorts against Australia and a 0-4 thrashing is on the cards for them if Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men don’t improve their body language, feels former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram.
His pre-series prediction of India conceding a 2-0 lead to Australia has already come true and Akram says he won’t be surprised if Australia clinch the next two in Perth and Adelaide to win 4-0.
“Winning matters, but to win overseas is the real thing. India does well in their backyard but are found wanting when they play on foreign pitches. When I was playing, Pakistan had won in New Zealand, Australia, West Indies and England and that made us a top side,” Akram said.
The innings defeat at Sydney was India’s sixth successive Test loss overseas. Akram said there is something seriously wrong in planning and execution. “India are seriously looking out of sorts. There seems to be no planning in the team. Players are just looking like individuals and not gelling as a unit. This is surprising considering the fact that almost the same team were world No. 1 just a few months back,” he observed.
Akram feels India’s inability to match Australia’s aggression has been disa-ppointing.
“It was dish-eartening to see the fielders lose hope as the Aussie batsmen piled on the runs. The lack of coordination between players made me feel that India are going to field for another two days,” he said referring to the Sydney Test which India lost by an innings and 68 runs.
“The seniors were not talking with their young bowlers. It was only Sachin Tendulkar whom I saw chatting with Ishant Sharma. Such body language was very unlike Dhoni and company,” he added.
“Australia were three down for 37 on Day 2 and it was the opportune time for India to strike hard. But as soon as Ponting and Clarke took control, the complexion of the Indian attack changed for the worse in just six or seven overs. The shoulders drooped and the fielding became dull. So the overall body language was very negative,” felt Akram. (PTI)