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Indians are going to come very strong at us: Arthur

Last updated on: January 30, 2012 15:49 IST

Hurt after being whitewashed in the Test series, India will be a "totally different" team in the upcoming Twenty20 internationals and ODI tri-series, says Australia coach Mickey Arthur.

"I think we're going to see a totally different India. There's no doubt in my mind. They're definitely hurting. They've got players in who bring a huge amount of enthusiasm -- the likes of (Suresh) Raina, Rohit Sharma," said Arthur on Monday, ahead of Wednesday's first Twenty20 in Sydney.

"(Virat) Kohli is a quality player. Players like Ravindra Jadeja bring a huge amount to the side. I'm sure they're going to come very strong at us."

Arthur slams India's attitude

Last updated on: January 30, 2012 15:49 IST

Arthur took a dig at the Indians for not making enough "friends" or promoting the game thus far in the summer, but believed the younger lot will be a force to reckon with in the shorter formats over the next few weeks.

"It's probably not a way to make friends, but that's their problem. We're hoping, with our good performance, we promote it," said Arthur, after reporters asked whether the Indians, with their cricket or the way they've shied away from the media this summer, are actually promoting the game.

Every senior, except Rahul Dravid, has shied away from squaring up to the media due to the dismal performance of the team, and Sachin Tendulkar's non-appearance even once has the Australian media frothing in disapproval.

'To start working with some other players was really exciting'

Last updated on: January 30, 2012 15:49 IST

Arthur was keen to put his own younger players through the paces at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

"The boys are going to get fairly flogged today. There's going to be a good start, we're going to put our mark in the sand for them.

"It was really nice meeting a whole new ground of players. It almost refreshed us as a support staff because we've been on the road for long with the Test team. To see the crossover and to start working with some other players was really exciting. It energised us a little bit," Arthur said.

"It's the start of something new. There's a group of players there that have got first bite at a potential World Cup (spot) in six months time. We want to see what they are all about."

'Shaun Marsh had a tough time'

Last updated on: January 30, 2012 15:49 IST

The home Twenty20 squad includes both Shaun and Mitchell Marsh despite the former's poor form in the four Tests.

"If I said he (Shaun Marsh) was fine, I would probably be lying. He has had a tough time of it. But I thought his efforts in the field were fantastic. He never once dragged the dressing room down," he said.

"That's the type of character we want from the bloke. He will go back and he will score runs and he will be back again. They [the two brothers] get on really well and I know he was rapt for Mitch and Mitch is obviously disappointed for him but they will play together for a long time to come," he added.

'Brad feels he has a lot to contribute'

Last updated on: January 30, 2012 15:49 IST

Another failure in the Test series, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been given a break in the One-Day Internationals.

"I've had a good chat to Brad and he knows exactly where he stands, if Brad wants to play on. He feels he has a lot to contribute and so do I but like any other player, players need to give us ammunition to keep picking him."

"He (Haddin) has been ticking over. But we need to take two wicketkeepers to the West Indies and we probably have the best two in mind," Arthur said.

'Wade is a fighter'

Last updated on: January 30, 2012 15:49 IST

Arthur is hopeful that Matthew Wade, Haddin's replacement, will grab his opportunity.

"I really hope he does, because it breeds competition in the squad, and, as I have always said, nobody has a permanent place in the Aussie cricket team.

"I've coached against him. The quality he brings is he's a terrier, a fighter -- unbelievable in two disciplines. We want players who fight. They're strong of character and Matthew's got all for that."

With two seniors, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, in the One-day squad, Arthur believes it was time the youngsters are allowed to get grooming from the veterans.

"I've spoken about increasing our depth pool. We believe again with our batting we know where it could be with no Ricky and no Mike. We need to have a look at other players.

"Philip Forrest has got an opportunity now for the first three ODIs. There are other young potential batters out there that might get an opportunity," he said.

"If they're [young talents] knocking the door down domestically they will be given an opportunity. There's no closed shop in the Australian cricket," he added.