Australia players told to put IPL friendlies aside for Test against India: “It's been tough…”

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has insisted that he wants his team to play with an aggressive mindset against Australia in the five-match Test series starting on Friday. Gambhir and the Indian players will be desperate to prove their point after suffering a 0-3 clean sweep at the hands of New Zealand at home earlier this week. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has praised Gambhir's aggressive mindset, claiming that international cricket has lost its competitive edge with players from different countries sharing dressing rooms in franchise cricket.

“I think it has become harder these days because you spend more time playing with the opposition players. I think when I played before or during the IPL, it was a lot easier, you get to know each other. “But I think that's why India has had success the last few times,” Clarke told ESPN. Told Cricinfo.

Clarke also urged Australian players to shun off-field friendships during the series against India. Australia has not won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014–15.

“I think there is a very clear line from all the players when they step into this country. There are no friends on the field. Off the field, OK, but on the field, you are playing for your country You are not playing in the same IPL team,'' he said.

“I think Australia will have the same attitude, you know. It's not what you say. It's not about sledding, it's what you do. It's your intention, it's your attitude It's about supporting your teammates in times of need.” .So I would be surprised if Australia wasn't in the same situation.”

The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin with the first Test in Perth on November 22.

The second Test, to be held at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10, will be played in an exciting day-night format under stadium lights. Next, the focus of fans will be on the Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.

The traditional Boxing Day Test, to be held between 26 and 30 December at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, will take the series to its final stage.

The fifth and final Test, to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the climax of the series, promising a dramatic finale to an exciting contest.

(With ANI inputs)