Australia head coach Justin Langer has set sight on ‘ultimate goal’ of defeating India in India soon. Soon after Australia reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Test rankings, Langer said it did put a smile on their faces but also mentioned about the ultimate goal.
In what came as a shocker on Friday, the Tim Paine-led side dislodged India to become the top-ranked side. India were comfortably placed at the top spot since October 2016. ICC removed the results of 2016/17 season in the annual update, that saw India fall to the third spot. New Zealand sit at the second spot, courtesy their dominating run at home.
“Certainly a goal for us has been the World Test Championship … but ultimately, we have to beat India in India and we’ve got to beat them when they come back (to Australia). You can only judge yourself as being the best if you beat the best and we’ve got some really tough opposition to come,” Langer told Cricket.com.au.
Australia haven’t won a Test series in India since 2004/05, where they defeated the hosts 2-1 in four-match series. Langer was a part of that team.
Australia’s Test team has made four unsuccessful tours to India since then. In fact, their sole win in past four tours came in 2017, when the Steve Smith-led side stunned India in the opening Test in Pune. The home team made a comeback after the shocking defeat and won the series 2-1.
In 2013, Australia hit rock bottom as they lost all four Tests against MS Dhoni-led side. For now, it isn’t known when Australia will land in India next but as per the schedule, the Virat Kohli-led side is confirmed to tour Australia later this year.
