South African fielding legend, Jonty Rhodes, has come up with some valuable advice for Indian Cricket Team ahead of their crucial Australia tour next month. He suggested Virat Kohli and his team to tighten their game during key moments when they will take on Australia in the four-match Test series.

He was speaking at the launch of Isuzu’s MU-X SUV here on Tuesday (October 23). Rhodes has showered praise on Indian pace attack but believes that the seamers need to adapt quickly Australian conditions to taste success here in the Red-ball game.

Rhodes told The Hindu, “When India was in South Africa earlier this year, they lost the first two Tests, both close matches, within a session. In South Africa, the Indians bowled first at Cape Town and did not bowl the right length. It was only in the second innings they pitched the ball up and exploited the movement. By then it was too late.”

He further went on to explain, “In Australia, where there can be some pace and bounce but less seam movement or swing than in England, the Indian pacemen have to bowl the in-between length on the fourth stump and create doubts in batsmen’s minds whether to go forward or back. I want the senior bowlers to have a chat with Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is a quick learner and is vital to this attack.”

Meanwhile, the Proteas great is eagerly waiting to watch how teen batting sensation Prithvi Shaw bats in Australia, while he admitted that Kohli has been outstanding with the bat but he will really need support from his batsmen to win against the Kangaroos at their home soil.

He further added on the same, “The openers have to build a platform and I am waiting to see how Prithvi Shaw bats. Kohli has been outstanding with the bat but he cannot do it alone.”

On being asked about Kohli’s captaincy, Rhodes said, “Captains learn and evolve. Kohli plays with such intensity. He will have to create a happy environment within the team. A happy team gets together well on tough campaigns abroad.”

He also feels that Australians will miss the services of their premier batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner against India. He also believes that the experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon can play a key role for the hosts in the much-awaited Test series against No. 1 ranked side.

Rhodes signed off by saying, “Naturally, the team will miss Steve Smith and David Warner, not just as captain and vice-captain but also as batting heavyweights. It should offer spin down under on days three, four and five.”

(Input: The Hindu)