Gilchrist seconds aggressive theory

Gilchrist seconds aggressive theory
Press Trust of India

Mumbai, February 15: The Australians began their second day in India on Thursday with vice-captain Adam Gilchrist declaring his team would play aggressive cricket during the tour.

“We have to bat, bowl and field aggressively to beat the Indians on their home soil and if we play to a plan I don’t see why we can’t win both the Test series and the one-dayers here,” he said.

“Last time around we won the one-day series but could not win the Test series and we were a little disappointed but this time we have come well prepared to win both,” Gilchrist told reporters here.

Wicket-keeper Gilchrist and fast bowler Damien Fleming represented the Australian team at the function while the others decided to take much-needed rest in their hotel.

Queried about CBI’s decision not to question Mark Waugh about his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal, Gilchrist said: “As our skipper Steve Waugh said soon after the team’s arrival yesterday we are all relieved. Mark is a key member of the team and obviously we don’t want him to be in any sort of pressure before an important series.” On West Indies batsman Brian Lara’s statement that he was the target of Aussie sledging during the recent series which the Australians won handsomely, Gilchrist said it was all in good spirit and there was no animosity.

Asked which of the Indian players will be targetted for special treatment (sledging), Gilchrist said “none”. “In fact, we would like to get the Indians out as fast as possible so that we can put pressure on them all the time,” he added. Fleming, who, along with their bowling spearhead Glenn MacGrath, forms one of the best new ball attacks in the world, said the only way to beat the Indians would be to play aggressively.

“I have had some happy memories here and I think the best way to get on top of the Indians is to play aggressively from the word go because once you give them (Indians) room to settle down they are capable of turning things around,” he added.

Asked whether he had any set plan to bowl to Indian batsmen, Fleming said “I have many but I cannot discuss it with you.”

“Whatever plans we have we would like to implement them on the field,” he added.