Australia will prove a tricky opponent, says Gautam Gambhir

By Siddharth Kohli

Thursday 23 March 2017 13:50, UK

Australia’s performances in the ongoing Test series against India have proved doubters wrong, says Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir.

The tourists, who lost five of their last six overseas series, were tipped for a rout by several high profile names, including former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and spinner Harbhajan Singh.

However, Australia handed India their first loss in 19 Tests last month, and the four match-series is square at 1-1 with the final Test taking place on Saturday at Dharamsala, live on Sky Sports.

"We should give credit to the Australian side which has played remarkably," said Gambhir, who was not picked for the series.

"Most players like Harbhajan and Sourav predicted a whitewash for India, but they have proved themselves brilliantly and with everything on the line, Australia will be a tricky opponent."

A major talking point emerged from the second Test, when Australian captain Steve Smith was accused by the Indians of looking to the dressing room for guidance, whilst making use of DRS. The ill-tempered second Test, concluded in victory for India.

Gambhir, who last played a Test match in November last year, said keeping emotions in check at the international level was hard for players and sledging was an implicit part of the game.

The Delhi left-hander added: "It is fine to play hard and do whatever you can to upset the opposition till the time you don't get personal,"

"These are not robots playing the game, and when you are playing for your country and there are so many expectations on your shoulder, emotions can take over sometimes."

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