Matthew Hayden: India don't believe they can win away from home

[Switchblade]

http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/67592/matthew-hayden-india-dont-believe-they-can-win-away-from-home Former Australian opener, Matthew Hayden, said that India do not seem to believe they can win away from home and have gone 'missing' during key moments of the ongoing Test series against Australia.

"India's biggest weakness is that they don't believe they can win away from home. Whether it is starting the day badly or not finishing an innings like they should -- they seem to go missing at key moments," Hayden wrote in a column for The Daily Telegraph.

"The noise around the team isn't great either. Putting the food issue aside (which I think is embarrassing for Australia because grounds should be making an extra effort to provide the food, the visitors require), you feel like India are searching for an excuse," he said.

Hayden said that the controversy generated by Shikhar Dhawan's refusal to come out to bat on the fourth day in Brisbane after being hit on his wrist in the nets, was a reflection of India's timid approach.

"Shikhar Dhawan not coming out to bat on Day 4 in Brisbane speaks of his mindset. Fear of failure is more often than not a powerful motivator and the great players like Steve Waugh use that to their advantage. Dhawan's decision clearly caused confusion in the Indian camp and his troops, revealing the fragility of this powerful Indian team," he explained.

Hayden also took a dig at the Indian team for attempting to sledge the Australians, a move which backfired in the second Test.

"They've got a false sense of what aggression means as well. I think they've got the talent in their bowling unit to get us out, but they're inexperienced and can't bowl consistent Test level spells."

Hayden, however, lauded the Indian batting unit. In particular, Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli have shown the guts and gumption to make their presence felt on true wickets of Australia. Both the batsmen have played with poise and fluidity at the crease.

"Australia definitely has the edge when it comes to bowling but talent wise, the Indian batsmen are on par. Virat Kohli is world class -- there's an edge to his game. Murali Vijay's batting has gone to a new level.

"He's patience personified, blended with conventional and destructive stroke-play and if Australia had him opening the batting with David Warner, it would be an incredible partnership. But, the rest are vulnerable," he concluded.

[Lord]

just like Aussies in Asia

[wanted_desi]

With Dhoni, who didn't even select best bowler in India from last 2 years, what can you expect?

[SLICKR392]

just like Aussies in Asia

They have won a series in India and pwned Pakis in Pak (not a challenge but still). Apart from that, pretty sick poor in India. But like Hayds said, we feel lost in key moments, rather than taking advantage of a good situation, we let the opposition bang us from all sides. Dhoni is at blame most of the times.

[Lord]

They have won a series in India and pwned Pakis in Pak (not a challenge but still). Apart from that' date=' pretty sick poor in India. But like Hayds said, we feel lost in key moments, rather than taking advantage of a good situation, we let the opposition bang us from all sides. Dhoni is at blame most of the times.[/quote'] I am talking of current team not the ATG team of 2000s.They last won a Test in Asia back in 2012.They also have let go good positions,but most times don't even get in them,that despite better bowling attack overall(not suited to Asian conditions but overall I'd have theirs easily)

[SLICKR392]

I am talking of current team not the ATG team of 2000s.They last won a Test in Asia back in 2012.They also have let go good positions' date='but most times don't even get in them,that despite better bowling attack overall(not suited to Asian conditions but overall I'd have theirs easily)[/quote'] Yeah, but their team (ATG or not) have at least won a series there. It will be a massive deal if we could nail one in Aus or SA.

[Pagalpanti]

just like Aussies in Asia

more like Aussies in India. Except for the last tour they don't have a poor record in UAE and have beaten SL with ease on turners.

[jf1gp_1]

Not much between the teams in terms of abilities, it's a mental block away for both the teams and it shows so Hayden is spot on

[fineleg]

Overseas drubbings are a guarantee with Captain Fool at the helm anyway.

[The Dark Horse]

Whatever he has said is pretty much true..Sledging goes both says...If you can't back it with performance it is of no use

[Sachin=GOD]

What else can you expect from a team led by Dhoni

[Number]

When you are led by the same sheep under whom you have lost 15 of last 17 tests then its obvious.

[amiret]

Hayden also took a dig at the Indian team .....

Indian aggression = Spewing "Ma , behen" gaali & twirling your own moustache.

[vvvslaxman]

He is spot on albeit stating the obvious. They don,t believe they can win.

[adi B]

He is right,thats the general sense among the fans for more than 2 years now

[Gollum]

He is spot on. Why are ICFERs getting so insecure with his comments.? Remember Aus won in Lanka as recent as 2012 and we last won a series in Lanka in 94.

[AmreekanDesi]

Thank you for the enlightening revelations, Captain Obvious

[bharat297]

He is spot on. Why are ICFERs getting so insecure with his comments.? Remember Aus won in Lanka as recent as 2012 and we last won a series in Lanka in 94.

Hayden does have a point but one interesting stat is that in the last 5 years, India have won 2 Tests in either Aus, Eng, or RSA. On the other hand Australia have won only 1 Test in either (Ind, Sri Lanka, Pak or UAE). The difference was that the 1 test that Australia won was in a winning series.