PERTH // As if the UAE’s task of toppling the world champions was not tough enough, they now also have to deal with a resurgent opposition opener with a broad depth of local knowledge.
Shikhar Dhawan continued his form revival with a smart century in India’s rousing win against South Africa last time out.
It was predictable he might return to form in Melbourne, given he lives there when he is not touring with India or playing in the Indian Premier League.
“Australia is a very beautiful country. I’ve got a home here now and my family lives here, so I enjoy coming over here,” Dhawan said.
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“This is the first time I’ve stayed in Australia for such a long time and it is a great feeling to have so many fans over here. It was amazing to see so many Indians in the MCG. It was a great feeling.
“I really enjoyed playing in front of 86,000 people.
“It gives a very good feeling that our fans followed us here, I feel because of them we get that extra edge.”
It is unlikely the Indians will have lost too much sleep last night over the prospect of playing the UAE.
Ahead of Friday’s afternoon net session, Dhawan acknowledged he had not watched any footage of the national team, but suggested he might before the match.
“We play the game the way it has to be played, we’re going to play with the same fighting spirit and going to keep the same intensity,” he said.
India’s preparations for the game have not been entirely trouble-free. Duncan Fletcher, the coach, will miss the game at the Waca Ground as he has flown home because of the death of his father-in-law, while Mohammed Shami, the seam bowler, is being rested after receiving a painkilling injection in his left knee.
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