Gold Coast, November 4: “The wicket gets better and better every year so I’m expecting a nice wicket and a high-scoring game,” Matt Kuhnemann also shared his thoughts on the wicket at the Gold Coast Stadium ahead of the fourth T20I.
With India set to take on Australia at the Gold Coast Stadium, there’s plenty of anticipation about what the ground will offer for both the teams. In fact, this will be the first time the Indian Men’s team are going to play at the aforesaid ground. Having hosted just two men’s T20Is, three women’s T20Is and one women’s Test, the stadium, also known as People First Stadium, is relatively new to international cricket with AFL matches taking the centre-stage. Australia spinner Matt Kuhnemann, a local of Queensland, is chuffed to be playing an international match for the first time as he explained the beauty and challenges of the picturesque venue.
“I love playing here and it’s always good to get back and see friends and family. The wicket gets better and better every year so I’m expecting a nice wicket and a high-scoring game,” Kuhnemann told reporters on Tuesday. “I think the Gold Coast is such a hot spot in Australia at the moment. I think the population is growing rapidly and we’ve produced some good cricketers this year. So I think the more games, the better.”
The ground dimensions at the Gold Coast Stadium isn’t for a typical cricket match with shorter straight boundaries and extremely long square boundaries. Run scoring for those who love to play square of the wicket could be a challenge.
“It”s a funny-shaped ground so you can go well but you also can get smacked a little bit so they’ll see how it pans out,” he said. “Taking wickets is crucial against both teams’ middle order. Yeah, there’s a couple of big pockets and short pockets here. So I think Max has had some success, Maxwell playing here. So here’s someone I’ll tap into.It’s a unique ground. It’s an AFL ground.”
India opener Abhishek Sharma has been the talk of the town for his explosive batting style and impact with the bat. When asked about a plan to stop the southpaw, Kuhnemann said: “Hopefully, Xavier Bartlett or one of the quicks. Benny Dwarshuis can take his wicket in the first couple of overs. He’s a serious talent and just goes so hard from ball one. It’s going to be a great spectacle on Thursday, but hopefully these boys can get him cheaply.”
With the IPL auction buzz slowly taking over the chatter on social media, Kuhnemann was asked whether performing well against India could bolster his chances to feature in the lucrative T20 league.
“I’d love to play (in the IPL). It’s pretty tough to get a gig as a spinner, so I don’t really think about it too much. I sort of love playing cricket anywhere around the world, if it’s in England, India.”
Both India and Australia will train at the Gold Coast Stadium on Wednesday before locking horns on Thursday in the fourth T20I.
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