Marcus Stoinis is a better player than Hardik Pandya: Matthew Hayden

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden believes his compatriot Marcus Stoinis is better than his Indian counterpart Hardik Pandya. Hayden’s comment comes just days before the upcoming showdown between the two nations. In an otherwise dismal 2018 for Australia, Stoinis did manage to make his mark.

The pace-bowling allrounder was one of Australia’s most consistent performers last year when the reigning world champions managed to win just two matches. Unsurprisingly, Stoinis was the only Australian to play every single ODI Australia played last year. He was their third-top run-scorer with 376 runs, scoring four fifties with a top score of 87.

He was also Australia’s leading ODI wicket-taker with 13 wickets from as many matches, at an average of 36.77 and fittingly won the Australian ODI player of the year award.

Pandya, on the other hand, had a decent 2018 too where he scored 93 in the Cape Town Test, picked up five wickets in the third Test against England in addition to scoring a fifty. However, Hayden feels the India star is still behind Stoinis.

“Marcus Stoinis is developing into a world-class all-rounder. He is unlucky not to be playing a little bit more Test cricket. He has quality in his play, although Hardik is also a fine player,” Hayden said.

“Stoinis has adopted a wider approach to his game which is winning matches for his country. Hardik Pandya also has the same responsibility, but I think right now Stoinis is a better player,” Hayden, who is on the Star Sports’ commentary panel, was quoted as saying in a release.

Cummins to trouble Dhawan

Matthew Hayden further tipped in-form pacer Pat Cummins to trouble India opener Shikhar Dhawan. Cummins will be brimming with confidence after a successful last year that culminated with him winning the prestigious Allan Border medal.

He was one of Australia’s most impressive performer when India toured Down Under for the Test series. The right-arm pacer also bagged the Man of the Series award against Sri Lanka before becoming the first Australian since Glenn McGrath to rise to the top of the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings.

Dhawan, on the other hand, has looked good in bits and parts. He has been getting the starts but has not converted them. Perhaps this is the reason, Hayden feels Dhawan will be troubled by Cummins. “Pat Cummins will have the hold on Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan loves the pace and I think Pat holds the armoury with the short ball, reverse swing and the variation with slow balls. I think Patty will be the babysitter,” Hayden added cheekily.

Here’s our video of the day:

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from India vs Australia series, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.