Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar has backed Abhishek Sharma to continue playing with an aggressive approach in T20Is against Australia. Sharma was in fantastic form in the Asia Cup, scoring 314 runs in the continental tournament and thus bagging the Player of the Series award.

The left-hander scored his runs at a blistering strike rate of 200 throughout the tournament. Nayar reckons if Abhishek continues to fire at the top of the order, then Australian veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will struggle to stem the flow of runs.

Hazlewood scalped three wickets in as many ODIs against India recently and bowled with an impressive economy rate of 3.13.

Abhishek Nayar said on Star Sports, “If Abhishek Sharma is in form, Hazlewood will be out of form. The way he bats, he is known to hit the first ball for a four or a six. If you instill fear in the powerplay, it continues throughout the innings. That’s Abhishek Sharma’s impact on the game. If he bats six overs, India will score between 60 to 80. It will ease the pressure for his batting partner, while it will increase for the opposition.”

Nayar said it will be a big test for Abhishek Sharma while facing Josh Hazlewood, but backed the former to shine against the Australian pacer.

“It will be a big test for him, especially against Hazlewood, who is in good rhythm and extracting extra bounce. However, I feel that he has got enough experience by playing in the IPL and in South Africa.

“He has a fearless mindset and will want to make a name for himself in Australia. This is a good chance for him, as it is very satisfying to earn respect in Australia. From what I know of him, he would want to make a name for himself here.”

The first T20I between India and Australia will be played at Canberra on Wednesday.