Varun Chakravarthy Challenges Australian Batters Ahead of T20 World Cup
Australia's Matthew Short describes Varun Chakravarthy's pace and variations as difficult to decipher, posing a significant challenge as teams prepare for spin-friendly conditions at next year's T20 World Cup.
Varun's Impact in the Current Series
In the ongoing T20I series, Varun Chakravarthy has taken four wickets across two bowling spells, playing a key role in India’s pursuit of a series victory on Australian soil. The hosts are intensifying efforts to counter his spin before the World Cup, which will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka.
Matthew Short on Facing Varun Chakravarthy
"We’ve obviously watched a lot of footage and whatnot. But yeah, that’s probably going to be the other challenge heading to India if it is spinning or in Sri Lanka as well," said Short on the eve of the fourth T20I at Carrara, Gold Coast.
Short pointed out that the speed at which Varun bowls adds to the difficulty. "Here in Australia, there’s probably not as much spin as it is in the subcontinent, obviously. But yeah, he’s a tough one and one we’ll have to look out for," he added.
Preparation for Subcontinental Conditions
Australia recognizes the need to adapt to the spin-friendly pitches expected during the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Players like Short are crucial both for their batting and squad selection.
“There are always ways to improve,” Short said, reflecting on the experience of facing world-class Indian bowlers ahead of the tournament.
He enjoys the learning opportunity, even though he knows that World Cup conditions will differ significantly from Australian pitches.
Author's Summary
Australia studies Varun Chakravarthy’s challenging spin ahead of the T20 World Cup, with Matthew Short emphasizing the need to adapt to subcontinental conditions and improve continuously.