If you don't want to give an inch, you've got to embrace it – Ravi Shastri on India's approach in Australia

While India prepare for the mega-battle against Australia which starts in two days from now, apart from the on-field rivalry, Rohit Sharma and company will also have to tackle the challenges of the hosts' media, which will undoubtedly make life Down Under a living hell for the visitors.

Former Indian coach, Ravi Shastri, opened up on how India can tackle the nasty war of words which might leave them befuddled. Shastri was clear with the fact that if India wants to make hay in Australia, they will have to figure out a way to deal with the media, embrace it and give it back with the same salt that will leave them huffing and puffing.

Talking to Fox Cricket, Shastri said, “I think the only way is embracing the hype and the media. There's no other way you can play. You're not going to get an inch. If you don't want to give an inch, you've got to embrace it. You've got to embrace the culture, you've got to understand very early what to expect from the media as well. You know, because they'll be behind the Australian team. If you can get your boys to get out there and play as hard as it gets, you know, be ready for some tough cricket and perform, the media will respect you.”

He also had a prediction for the Indian team, stating, “I've said it before and I'm going to say it again. It's the first two Test matches because both teams as Michael (Vaughan) mentioned, can win that first Test match in Perth and the following one, the day-night game. Whoever has the upper hand after the first two Tests will dominate the series.”

India will be battling Australia in a two-match series which will test their might and supremacy Down Under. The last two sequences in Australia were clinched by India, asserting their authority away from home. However, the situation is different this time as the loss against New Zealand has left Rohit Sharma and his team on tenterhooks and they will have to punch heroically above their weight to clinch the unthinkable.