Our Aim Is to Get Abhishek Out Cheaply: Kuhnemann
Australia spinner Matt Kuhnemann considers India opener Abhishek Sharma a serious batting talent and hopes Australian bowlers can dismiss him cheaply to hamper India's chances of winning the T20I series.
After shining in the Asia Cup in the UAE, where he was named player of the tournament, Abhishek showed resilience in the second game at Melbourne, scoring 68 runs off 37 balls while Indian wickets fell rapidly. The five-match series is balanced at 1-1, with Abhishek’s performance likely to influence the outcome of the remaining matches.
“Well, hopefully Xavier Bartlett or one of the quicks, Benny (Benjamin) Dwarshuis can take his (Abhishek’s) wicket in the first couple of overs. He’s a serious talent and just goes so hard from ball one. It’s going to be a great spectacle on Thursday, but hopefully the boys can get him cheaply,” said Kuhnemann.
Kuhnemann, who may play his fifth T20I soon, also noted the similar styles of cricket played by Australia and India.
“Yeah, I think the way they’re playing is sort of similar to how we’re playing as well. I think from ball one now, the game’s changing rapidly. It just goes hard from ball one... I think taking wickets is crucial for both teams in the middle order."
At 29, Kuhnemann emphasizes the importance of early breakthroughs to control the match momentum.
Author’s summary: Matt Kuhnemann highlights the crucial role of dismissing India’s Abhishek Sharma early to tilt the tightly contested T20I series in Australia’s favor.