Pujara confident Indian pacers have their plan ready for Warner, Smith

After Dream11 IPL 2020 kept the entire country hooked to their TV sets for more than two months, the focus has gradually started shifting to the international fixtures. A heavy Indian contingent has started training in Australia and although the series will kick off with the ODI series, followed by T20s and Tests to conclude the tour, a lot of talk has been around how India will cope with an Australian side that’s been bolstered by the return of Steve Smith and David Warner.

The last time India played Australia in Australia in a Test series, the duo was not available as they were serving a ban.

However, India’s number Cheteshwar Pujara, who was instrumental in India sealing the series with 523 runs in four Tests, is confident that Indian pacers have the plan ready for the Aussie stalwarts.

“They know how to be successful in Australia as they have enjoyed success there in the past. They have their game-plans in place and if we can execute them well, they are capable of getting Smith, Warner and Labuschagne out quickly,” Pujara told PTI.

“If we can do what we have done in the past, I am sure we have every chance of winning the series again.”

Pujara agreed that the Australian side will be a little stronger than what they were the last time India travelled there.

“It (Australian batting line-up) will be a little stronger than what it was in 2018-19 but then victories don’t come easy. If you want to win away from home, you need to work hard,” Pujara said.

“No doubt Smith, Warner and Marnus Labuschagne are great players. But the good part about our current crop of bowlers is that most of them play in the same series and our bowling unit will also not be very different to what it was in 2018-19.”

“The technical aspect is something that I can’t discuss. I prefer not talking about it. It’s a strategic thing which can’t be divulged.

Pujara also talked about his batting and how are the preparations this time around. “Even during the last tour, my preparation was good, I am confident that I am able to repeat the same preparation before this series also. I always try and add a few more things in my game, which will help me get better,” he said.

“In the end, you need 20 wickets to win a Test and wasn’t just my performance, even other batters supported at some stage or the other. It was the team’s success. When the Indian team succeeds, it is always a moment of pride,’ added the 32-year-old.

With Virat Kohli scheduled to fly back to India to be with his wife Anushka Sharma for the birth of his first child after the first Test, Pujara’s role will be crucial in the Indian batting order.