Australia all-rounder James Faulkner feels that Australia vs India ODI match series will be a high scoring affair. He also stated that no target is too daunting for Australia thanks to the confidence instilled by coach Darren Lehmann.
Faulkner said Australia expected more big totals on a flat Gabba deck in Friday’s second ODI.
He said,”I have a lot of confidence playing under him and I know every other player in the group does too to try and stretch our limits.”
Australia and India head to the Gabba for the second ODI of their five-match ODI series after Australia chased down the big target of 309 in Perth. Steve Smith & George Bailey partnership added 242 runs for third wicket. It was the fourth highest ODI stand for Australia.
Faulkner said,“Everyone was quite surprised by the way the wicket played in Perth, it was very flat and we saw a lot of runs scored. I think anytime you see 300 scored and chased it’s definitely a flat wicket. I’m expecting the same sort of scenario here as well, I haven’t seen a one-day wicket that hasn’t been flat here for a fair while, so it should have good pace, carry and be a good contest again. In general it’s a tough gig bowling in Perth and here. Runs can be scored so fast due to the pace on the ball, change-ups don’t grip as much as other grounds like the MCG and Canberra that we’ll see later in the series. Everyone got hit the other day so I don’t think you can single out one or two bowlers.”
“I am expecting the same sort of scenario here as well. I haven’t seen a one-day wicket that hasn’t been flat here for a fair while,” he added.
He said,“I did notice a change. The big change was the overs leading into the old powerplay where batters tended to milk it around and stay in and then use that as a launching pad. That was a dangerous time for any team batting, if you lost a wicket before that five-over period it could really halt your momentum. Likewise if you didn’t lose a wicket you could really set up a big total. I like the new rules, it goes back to five in the last 10 and it’s still a massive challenge for the bowlers, but it’s a bit more normal instead of players milking it around before.”
In the second ODI, Shaun Marsh is expected to replace opener David Warner and John Hasting to replace the rested Michell Marsh.