By IANS,
Sydney : Fresh from a holiday in New York, Australian opener Phil Jacques said that he is rearing to go against India in the four-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting next month.
“I was keen to blow out the cobwebs out and get some match practice, which is what I’ve been able to do. My wife and I went to New York after the West Indies tour, which was great. It’s a city that never stops,” Jacques was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.
“And I’ve been able to enjoy my time at home the past few months, which I haven’t been able to do the past few years. I feel like the batteries have really been recharged,” he said.
The New South Wales batsman, who had represented Australia in 11 Tests, had a quick practice match Friday at Albion Park in the State Cup. He made just 19 runs for his New South Wales team but said that most important for him was to get back to the crease.
“I wanted this match practice before I went away. There was pretty good opposition there today. There were some state players bowling to me so I was happy for the hit out,” he said after the match.
For Jacques, it will his first trip to India and he is well aware of the challenges that lies ahead.
“I’ve been to Bangladesh and Pakistan, but I’ve never been to India so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve spoken to a few of the players who have been over there and they’ve all told me it’s a really good place to bat, especially if you’re at the top of the order,” said Jacques, who made his debut in 2005 .
“There will be a lot of spin, but I won’t mind because I played at Northamptonshire, which is conducive to spin, and growing up in Sydney and playing at the SCG will also help. It’s going to be tough. The Indians know their own conditions well,” he added.