The upcoming thrilling batsman of India, Shikhar Dhawan, has warned the South African quick bowlers to get ready for his assault on their bouncy tracks at home.
The blue eyed star opener made a sensational start in the longer version of the game by plundering 187 runs on his debut Test. He was inducted in the Indian side vs. Australia on March 14, 2013, at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh. The Kangaroos scored 408 runs in their first innings and that looked like a decent total against the quality spin bowling of India. Dhawan opened the innings confidently with another promising opener, Murali Vijay, and he was the most aggressive of the two throughout the entire partnership.
Shikhar Dhawan was severe against all bowlers of Australia, including their pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle and Moises Henriques followed by their spinners Nathan Lyon, Xavier and Steven Smith. He blasted his maiden Test century on the fourth delivery of the 27th over while facing 85 mere balls with the assistance of 21 sweetly timed boundaries. The left hand batsman blasted 187 runs off just 174 balls comprising 2 huge sixes and 33 fours while sharing a 289 runs mammoth association for the first wicket with Murali Vijay who also smashed 153 runs in that innings.
India won the third Test vs. Australia with a margin of six wickets and humiliated the visitors by clinching the four match series 4-0.
Shikhar Dhawan was born on December 5, 1985, in Delhi, a left hand top order batsman and an occasional right arm off spin bowler. He has played for India, India A, Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Under-16s, Delhi and Deccan Chargers. The 27-year-old has played against the Proteas fast bowler, Dale Steyn, in the nets quite a few times since both of them have played for Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League. Dhawan is confident that he can negotiate in an assured manner against Dale and co. even on the bouncy tracks of South Africa at ease. He commented,
“Yes, I have faced Dale a lot in the nets but that won’t be of any consequence when we face him in a match situation. I am confident of doing well but I don’t want to look that far ahead.”
South Africa is ruling the world in Test cricket and has beaten at home almost all major teams of the world. India will visit there from November 2013 until January 2014 to play 3 Tests, 7 One Day Internationals and 2 Twenty20s. The Proteas have recently beaten Pakistan 3-0 and it will be a difficult task for the Indians to win against the mighty opposition. Team India is in high spirits after crushing Australia 4-0 at home but they have to continue with their present form once they reach South Africa.
Shikhar Dhawan likes to play on the seaming tracks and he is never afraid of the fastest bowlers who can bowl at a speed of even 140-150 kms. He further said,
“It will obviously be a big challenge to perform in South African conditions but I will relish that challenge. I have always loved batting on strips that offer bounce. I enjoy facing the fast bowlers. In fact greater the pace of the bowlers — late 140 kms to early 150 kms — better it is.”
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