India Today Web Desk

Australia head coach Justin Langer has said that Australia has enormous respect for the Indian cricket team and none of their players is underestimated by the Kangaroos.

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul (Reuters Image)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • We have enormous respect for the Indian cricket team: Langer
  • Cheteshwar Pujara like all batsmen will pose challenges: Justin Langer
  • India team which travelled 18 months ago is one of the best I have seen: Langer

Australia head coach Justin Langer has heaped rich praises on the Indian cricket team and said that each player of the Men in Blue is a threat for the Kangaroos. Justin Langer added that Australia has “enormous” respect for Team India.

When asked specifically about the threat Cheteshwar Pujara will pose for his rejuvenated team, the former Australian opener downplayed the hype of Saurashtra stalwart and said that India’s number three will be a threat just like all the other batsmen.

“He certainly had a very strong series, that’s for sure. But we have come a long way since that summer and improved as a side across the board. He, like all the batsmen, will pose challenges so we just have to back ourselves and be ready. We have enormous respect for the Indian cricket team and never underestimate any of their players. Like always we will be well prepared and do our best to compete strongly against our respected opponent,” Justin Langer told Sportstar.

Further, Langer admitted that Indian side which travelled Down Under 18 months ago was one of the toughest he has ever seen. Justin Langer stated that his team have definitely become stronger after the return of Steve Smith and David Warner from their 1-year bans due to their role in a ball-tampering scandal.

Recently, another Aussie great Michael Hussey had admitted that he was already salivating at the prospect of India touring Australia for a December series. Justin Langer expressed similar thoughts and said that the thought of battles between Jasprit Bumrah and Steve Smith and the one between India captain Virat Kohli and pacer Pat Cummins is a ‘tantalising prospect for any cricket lover’.

“The entire team has grown as a unit including David and Steve. It was a difficult summer 18 months ago against a very impressive side which I still rate as one of the toughest I have seen. We learnt some lessons along the way. I always enjoy seeing the best of the best going against each other and in a series like Australia versus India, there will be many great players who will put on a show. Virat (Kohli) versus Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and David Warner vs Jasprit (Bumrah). It’s a tantalising prospect for any cricket lover,” Langer stated.

There have been reports going on that the venue for the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia can be changed as there have been spikes in the positive coronavirus cases in Melbourne where the iconic Boxing Day Test matches are traditionally held. Justin Langer said that regardless of the venue Australia will give their best. However, Justin Langer added that singing the national anthem in front of 80-90,000 people is a feeling second to none.

“That’s not a decision for me as a coach but I can guarantee no matter where Australia plays we will bring our absolute best. Of course, we love playing at the MCG on Boxing Day but as we have seen around the world right now nothing is ever certain. That all said, there are few better feelings than singing the national anthem or walking onto the field in front of 80-90,000 people at the MCG on Boxing Day,” Justin Langer reckoned.