Monty has got the recipe that works in India: Stephen O'Keefe

Australia’s tour of India is edging closer day by day. While India are busy playing England, Australians are having a hard time at work. They have hired Monty Panesar to share his valuable experience with the likes of Stephen O’Keefe in the Aussie line-up. Panesar has been fairly successful against India. Out of his 167 wickets in Tests 36 are against the Indians in just 11 Test matches.

O’Keefe, who is currently learning under Monty was quite vocal about it, he said, “Great fellow Monty. He has got the recipe that works in India and he is a tough fellow to work with and I am sort of picking his brains as how he bowls and how he bat over there. He is open and knowledgeable, so it is great to share that experience with him.”

Steve also accepted it would be a difficult task to be playing in India on wickets that are totally different from the ones they have been bred on. “Look, it is a daunting task but in saying that there are cracks in their walls, they are not infallible and if you are playing on wickets which are spinning and straightening, you try to beat both sides of the bat and stay positive.” O’Keefe said.

He also sounded positive and confident while stating that it is hard but not impossible to beat India at their home, he said, “You can get wickets by using the same sort of recipe, by attacking the stumps, changing the pace, trying to hit the top of off-stump. Even the best players of the world may find it difficult on wickets that are playing a few tricks.”

Also Watch: India gets four runs on the ball MS Dhoni was bowled

The selectors have picked a spin heavy bowling attack this time rather than their conventional approach of backing their strength. “We have got our bases covered. Aston Agar is super talent. He is improving as well, getting better and better and I have no doubt he will be number one crew for Australia. Glenn Maxwell bowled pretty well last time in India. He also bats so he is gonna create a different type of energy, then obviously there is myself and guys, who sweep as well. You have seen how comfortable Mitchell sweeps on a stage when there are people around. I have no doubt if he gets picked he will do a great job,” he further added.

When asked about the young opener Matt Renshaw, Stephen O’Keefe was all praise for him. “He is a pretty no fuss, no frills cricket. He is already fitting in and comfortable playing for Australia. That’s a big ingredient for a young block who is gonna travel to India.” he said.