Australia get back to basics

Australia’s batsmen will prepare for the Boxing Day Test against India by going back to basics in their efforts to play swing bowling.

Coach Mickey Arthur has revealed the side will do some remedial work to try and remedy an apparent weakness against the moving ball which was highlighted in their recent defeat at the hands of New Zealand. People looking at the best Test cricket betting should bear this in mind.

“Obviously I was disappointed,” Arthur said after the loss in Hobart. “The swinging ball was one thing that again probably exposed us a little bit. That’s going to be top of the agenda to work on before Boxing Day because I know [India coach] Duncan Fletcher really well and I know he’ll try and expose us with the swinging ball.”

He added that none of the specialist batsman and allrounders in the side will be excused the training, stating that the first seven players in the batting order would be working on that side of their game relentlessly.

Doubtlessly the side will be paying close attention to the threat posed by Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan who are likely to lead the Indian bowling attacking.

Indeed, Arthur revealed that the bowling machine will be adjusted to replicate the sort of deliveries these players produce, something that he feels will be important ahead of what he described as a “vital” series.

South African Arthur became the first foreigner to coach Australia last month and he has already had a taste of just how tough the task he faces will be.

Last week the side managed to conspire to lose to New Zealand, levelling a two-Test series at 1-1, when they had looked in control of things for large parts of the match.