Ganguly - Aussies still No.1

Indian batsman expects tough series

Last updated: 6th October 2008

Sourav Ganguly India v Sri Lanka 3rd test Aug 08

Ganguly: respects Australia

Australia is a fantastic side, everyone knows that.

Sourav Ganguly
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Australia v India - 1st Test
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Sourav Ganguly has warned his India team-mates not to underestimate Australia ahead of their four-Test series.

Australia struggled with both bat and ball during their drawn final warm-up fixture against the Indian Board President's XI in Hyderabad.

The main concern for the tourists is their inexperienced slow bowling options - either off-spinner Jason Krejza or leg-spinner Cameron White is likely to debut in the series opener, which starts in Bangalore on Thursday.

Australia have been hit by the retirements of Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne over the last 12 months, but Ganguly is of the opinion that they remain a 'fantastic side'.

"I hope no one is getting excited by what happened in Hyderabad," said the experienced left-hander, whose outspoken nature has seen him enjoy plenty of battles with Australia over the course of his 109-Test career.

"Australia is a fantastic side, everyone knows that. They will be ready when the first ball is bowled in the first Test in Bangalore on Thursday.

Challenge

"We will have to be at our best to beat them. They are the world's number one side, but I think India too will be equal to the challenge.

"It should be a very good contest."

Ganguly's team-mate Virender Sehwag, however, has a very different outlook, suggesting India could win the series comfortably - if the pitches are conducive to spin bowling.

"If we play on spin-friendly tracks, the series might go 3-1 in our favour," Sehwag told CNN-IBN.

"In my opinion, they have a quality pace attack but don't have quality spin bowling.

"I have seen their off-spinner (Krejza) who gave 123 runs in 20 overs (in the first innings) against the Board President's XI.

"I think we will go after him."

Comments

Kirpal Panesar says...

Its always nice when Sehwag is confident but the last time he said he felt like he will hit a double century in an ODI game and after that he slumped and even lost his place in the side for a while. Still, I hope he does well, and more so I hope its a good !series with plenty of heat.

Posted 18:39 6th October 2008

Manuvelpillai Prinsly bonypas says...

I think as Sehwag said that India will beat Australia quiet comfortably this time. But I wish this could be the end of many legends in Indian cricket team to leave way for young players. I think the big loser here is Yuvraj Singh. He is an excellent player without much test matches in his account. He should be a regular player in the Indian team.

Posted 16:21 6th October 2008

Vish Sharma says...

Well said Sehwag...we shud not be afraid of Australia no matter what...they are not unbeatable....we did it before in 2001...and they had all the legends playing for them.

Posted 14:45 6th October 2008

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