Australia vs India 2018-19: 3 traps Indian batsmen must avoid in the first Test

#2 The Hook Shot

The hook shot

The Indian batsmen's struggle against the short ball, generally, is a hypothesis that most teams put to test when playing India outside the sub-continent.

The Indian batsmen prepare well to face the expected barrage of bouncers, are always aware on the pitch that the next short ball is just around the corner, and mentally prepare to play the short ball appropriately. Yet, they have on several occasions taken the bait and given away their wickets carelessly.

So to avoid such mishaps this time, it would be wise of them to completely avoid attempting the hook shot. And there is some precedence for that kind of strategy.

Sachin Tendulkar famously avoided the cover-drive during his knock of 241 in Australia after having been dismissed a few times driving at balls outside the off-stump. He was incredibly successful with that strategy.

The Indian batsmen will be well served to adopt that model of discipline in their quest to thwart the threat of getting out to the short ball. The Australian fast bowlers will be relentless in their pursuit of Indian wickets by tempting the Indian batsmen to hook, but the visitors should not take the bait.