Will we see more sweeps from India at MCG?

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That nine of Lyon's 16 wickets this series have come off defensive shots in what can't be classified as dream conditions for spin is a matter of big concern if you are India's batting coach. That combined with low strike rates of batsmen against Lyon means two things: the defensive technique is not what it should be, and that they don't have enough low-risk attacking options. Not only is Lyon taking wickets, he is bowling beautifully in one spot when the wickets are not coming. Those who have managed to score at a strike rate of over 50 against him have not been able to bat long enough, which points to the high-risk game Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma have had to play against him. The fact that others - even Kohli - haven't been able to force mistakes from him points to lack of attacking options too.

One of those attacking options was seen in the nets on Sunday, three days before the start of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. When batting against spin, Kohli played a succession of sweeps. Perhaps he was just toying with the idea, and we might not necessarily see him play that shot often, but there seems to be an intent to attack spin. Even Cheteshwar Pujara lofted spin in the nets on one occasion on Monday.

 

The sweep remains an interesting option, though. Traditionally Indian batsmen have prided themselves on not needing the sweep: they are either right forward or right back, playing the ball either before it turns or after it has turned. The sweep has been considered the weapon of the less proficient. Yet, it is an effective shot. When played well, it not only plays with the bowler's rhythm, it also makes the fielding captain defend more scoring zones, removing an attacking fielder.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25606751/see-more-sweeps-india-mcg

 

Interestingly, a nation that prides itself on its batsmanship, doesnt have a single player renowned for sweep shot. That shot can easily  negate a spinner. Lanka had Mahela, Pak had Younis in recent past ,however our batsman are not taught ow to play sweep shots. Karun Nair seems an exception to this in recent past.

[R!TTER]

The fab 5, or 6 if you include GG at his peak, did sweep & fairly regularly. The slog sweep is the best weapon against any off or leg spinner, too bad it seems like they're trying to play "safe cricket" & still falling like 9 pins against Lyon, Ali et al.

 

Whether this is also a strategy by TM is unknown, for instance I remember Rahane employing the slog sweep against Piedt at Kotla 3 years back. If we're playing safe cricket we will lose, deserve to lose & could absolutely be hammered & I'd argue rightfully so