NEW DELHI: Young opener Abhishek Sharma admitted that India’s batting line-up was caught slightly off guard by the extra bounce and disciplined bowling in Australian conditions after a challenging T20I match on Friday.

Playing his first international series in Australia, Abhishek said the visitors had expected pace and bounce but were still surprised by how effectively the home bowlers used the conditions during the second match of the series.

The left-handed opener was India’s top scorer with a fighting 68, though Australia eventually coasted to a four wicket win.

“The challenge is that a lot of players, including me, are on their first tour here. We knew about the extra bounce and pace, but still the way they bowled, surprised us,” Abhishek said at the post match press conference. “They were very disciplined with their line and length, and credit goes to them.”

Abhishek said the team’s aggressive top order plan had to be adjusted once wickets began to fall early.

“Our plan was to dominate up front, but it was a little unexpected for us. When wickets are falling in front of you, no matter who the batter is, you have to play for the team. The wicket was difficult, it was not easy to hit shots,” he said.

Praise for Harshit Rana and confidence from team management

Abhishek praised his lower order partner Harshit Rana for showing composure and maturity under pressure as the two added 56 runs for the sixth wicket.

“I knew Harshit could bat, he hits sixes off me a lot in the nets. He told me, let us play a little normal, and that helped. The right left combination worked well, and that is why he went up the order ahead of Shivam Dube.”

Reflecting on his fearless approach with the bat, the 24 year old credited the team management for giving him the confidence to play freely.

“When I play, I try to bring the bowler under pressure. This approach has its ups and downs, but my captain and coach have always supported me,” he said. “They are clear that I should play my natural game, and when they say that, it gives me confidence.”

He said he gained clarity after the Zimbabwe series when the team management encouraged him to stay positive.

“After the Zimbabwe series, I was over thinking a bit. But when the captain and coach said they wanted me to play freely, it became clear in my mind. When I play my shots and the team wins, I enjoy it more,” he said.

Abhishek also said he enjoyed the challenge of facing Australia’s pace attack on lively surfaces.

“As a batter, you want to face world class bowlers. Some of the deliveries even surprised me, I have not seen something like that in T20s before. But I was enjoying the challenge,” he said.

Before signing off, Abhishek took a moment to praise the Indian women’s team for their remarkable win over Australia in the Women’s World Cup in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

“We were all watching their match. The way Jemimah, Harman and Smriti batted with maturity and teamwork was inspiring. They really deserve that trophy,” he said.

(With PTI Inputs)