World T20: Australia Will Miss Second Spinner Against India, Feels Dean Jones
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones feels spin could play a role in the crucial India versus Australia World T20 knockout clash in Mohali on Sunday.
Highlights
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Australia knocked Pakistan out of tournament with a convincing 21-run win
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Jones felt match against India will definitely be a battle of nerves.
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Jones felt David Warner should open the innings for team.
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones picked India as favourites against Australia ahead of their crunch World T20 game in Mohali on March 27. The winner goes to the semifinal as the second team after New Zealand from Group 2. (Australia Knock Pakistan Out of World T20)
Australia knocked Pakistan out of tournament with a convincing 21-run win in Mohali on Friday, making it a straight shootout encounter against India, who kept their hopes alive with a last-ball win against Bangladesh in Bangalore on Wednesday.
Jones reckons Australia will miss a second spinner against India. The Aussie side currently has just one specialist in leg-spinner Adam Zampa. However, they have regularly used the part-time spin of Glenn Maxwell in the tournament. (World T20: Hardik Pandya Helps India Beat Bangladesh by One Run) ÂÂ
"Australia may miss a second spinner against India. Adam Zampa has been impressive and he is not frightened to bowl at big batsmen," Jones told NDTV in an exclusive chat.
"Pakistan was a big test for him. When he had (Shahid) Afridi, who is one of the biggest hitters of the game going at him, Adam still had the courage to toss one up and get one past him (Afridi). So it was a good little test for him," said Jones.
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When asked about who he would be backing come Sunday, Jones warned the Indians to be wary of a confident Aussie unit.
"I dare say India will be favourites but they will be worried about the Australians because once they start to get a bit of confidence going, they can be a bit of handful," said the 55-year-old. (World T20: Mahendera Singh Dhoni Reveals He Asked Hardik Pandya Not to go for Yorkers)
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Jones was of the view that the team who keeps its head under pressure situation will come out victorious.
"The match against India will definitely be a battle of nerves. India have always pushed us, and they will continue to do so on Sunday as well," he added.
Lauding Australia's win over Pakistan, Jones said that the management got the team combination right for the game.
"Australia got team selection right. Better balance. Bowling was very good. We will worry India for sure.
"However, I would prefer David Warner to open the innings. T20 is ruthless and the game can change in three balls. Right decisions at the death crucial," added Jones.