Aussies put new spin on tackling tweakers

What Buchanan meant in his cryptic comment was that it is exactly as the Aussies had anticipated. The Bangalore deck usually helps the seamers just a little early on but starts taking spin from the third day onwards.

But the Aussies, as they have been stressing at every point in their 10-day stay so far in India, reiterated the point of having learnt their lessons well. Buchanan was no different in his assessment after a quick chat with the local groundsman. ‘‘We have come expecting this. Look, I am not saying that it will break and all that stuff, just that spin will play a crucial part, maybe from the fourth day onwards.’’

Another point he touched upon was the need to be patient. The Aussies are known for scoring at a brisk rate to leave a lot of time for a result. Buchanan says that the planning would be different this time. ‘‘In Lanka we learnt to be patient and it is the key for any sort of result in these parts (sub-continent).’’

That the Aussies have come with a changed mind is evident in the way they approached the Mumbai tour opener, especially against the spinners. Says Mumbai’s left-arm spinner and India Test discard Nilesh Kulkarni: ‘‘They just did not allow the ball to be pitched and were at all times taking the ball on the full. This time all their batsmen are playing sweep shots almost every possible time they can.’’

Is that a cause for concern to the Indians? ‘‘Not in the least bit,’’ Kulkarni says.

Come Wednesday, we will know for sure.