Ironic AS it might seem, maybe the Indians' advice on "how to beat Australia at cricket" should be heeded. Although India were beaten recently in their home series against the marauding Aussies, it must be remembered they held the Baggy Greens to a draw the last timethe two teams met in Australia.
The English media is already beating the drums as to how they can wrestle the Ashes off Australia. They approached the Indians but the advice could be just as useful for the Black Caps.
Indian coach and former New Zealand batsman John Wright told The Guardian the key was to genuinely think you can win. "If I hear England or anyone else saying they can be competitive against Australia, I will know that they are going to lose," he said.
"They must think they can go out there and beat them."
Wright also emphasised that bowlers must bowl full."
Never give them the chance to play off the back foot because there they can murder you."
Anil Kumble, who had significant success in the series, says cutting down the Australians' scoring options was important. "Always have fielders deep, even if the bowlers are on top ... because the Aussies always come at you. They will attempt to dominate and score four runs and they get frustrated if you stop them."
Wright agreed: "The Aussie way is to boss matches. If you can stop them doing that you're in with a chance."
