This Indian batting line-up will fare better in Australia: Watson

Save skipper Virat Kohli (544 runs in 4 Tests) and partially Cheteshwar Pujara, most of the Indian batsmen could not perform up to their potential as England has already clinched the series with a 3-1 lead. “It is not easy to play swing bowling. Trust me when Australia travel to England for Ashes next year, it won’t be easy for it also. England is the only place where the ball swings that much, primarily due to conditions. You just can’t land in England once every three years and be successful,” said Watson.

However, the former all-rounder feels that India’s tour Down Under at the end of the year would be much better compared to England. “Look, if you check records, Indian batsmen of late have done well in Australia. Virat has scored loads of runs and I remember a fine century by (KL) Rahul at the SCG. Even Rahane scored a few runs,” Watson, who played 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is for his country, added.

“In Australia, the kookaburra will stop swinging after first 10 or may be 15 overs unlike Dukes which can swing all day. I don’t think bounce would be that much of a problem.”  For Watson, it is a global phenomenon that teams are not travelling well and India shouldn’t be blamed for its performance. “I don’t think any international team is playing swing bowling well these days and that is reflective in their performance on overseas tours,” said Watson. However, Indians have once again flopped against Moeen Ali like the series of 2014.