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India don’t look like the No.1 side: Steve Waugh

EW DELHI: Former Australian captain Steve Waugh feels that the Indian cricket team doesn’t deserve to be the No.1 Test side in the world.

In the light of India’s struggling performance in Sri Lanka, Waugh said: "India don’t look like the No.1 side. The Indian team is struggling at the moment with their bowling and the team does not have the bowlers to take 20 wickets."

The 45-year-old legendary batsman said India are only a tough team to beat at home, and it will be difficult for Australia to defeat them in the series, comprising two Tests and three one-day internationals, that starts on October 1 with the first Test in Mohali.

"It will be close and a tough series. The team which plays better cricket will win," said Waugh.

Waugh, who was in the capital for a promotional event, said the Indian team is suffering due to the absence of injured fast bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan.

"India are a very good side. The batting line up is among the best in the world. But the bowling attack seems weak in the absence of senior bowler like Zaheer Khan," he said.

Waugh was also disappointed with an inconsistent Harbhajan Singh.

"I don’t see a match winning spinner in the team. Harbhajan Singh is good but he is not consistent. He only seems to be doing well against Australia. India’s bowling has weakened after the retirement of Kumble," Waugh said

AMIT MISHRA MALE 30

What pic? I’m a little late.

It’s because everyone thinks that Swanny and Harbhajan Singh are brilliant spinners simply because they play for better International Sides (England & India respectively). Shakib Al Hasan plays for Bangladesh and is currently the best All-rounder in the world and has got better economy rates than both of them in ODI’S. So who is better - Be Honest please!!!

what is your favorite pick from these?

Steve Waugh vs Curtly Ambrose – West Indies vs Australia – Port of Spain – 1995

Michael Slater vs Rahul Dravid – Australia vs India – Mumbai – 2001

Aamir Sohail vs Venkatesh Prasad – Pakistan vs India – Bangalore, 1996

Harbhajan Singh vs Andrew Symonds – India vs Australia – Sydney – 2008

Dennis Lillee vs Javed Mianded – Australia vs Pakistan – Perth – 1981

I am new to cricket and the first match that i saw was India vs Pakistan and I only watched the last over of the match where Harbhajan singh had hit a six!
Hey Joey i am an American man, not indian. I am into wrestling and simply feeling to love cricket.

And why the hell this Murali vijay is getting selected.

Why not give a chance to someone like Pujara or Rahane smashing runs all over the country?

Do You think it is all politics because of Srikanth ?
http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/player/32540.html

Pujara is not only a good First class cricketer but he also has a good List A record.He certainly deserves a chance in ODIs instead of Rohit ‘inconsistent’ sharma.
Pujara’s domestic records are better than some of the players regularly selected in Indian team
in both first class and limited versions of the game

the Players who are only selected for batting like

Murali Vijay
Rohit Sharma
Saurabh Tiwary
Even Virat Kohli.

I guess selectors are giving way too much importance to IPL performances , where Pujara hasn’t had enough opportunities
At least they can pick him for ODIs , why Tiwary , just because of few IPL innings on flat tracks.

http://www.cricinfo.com/scotland/content/story/464465.html
Berrington starred with a century, and Iqbal contributed 67 to add 174 for the eighth wicket after their team was tottering at 64 for 7. India still held the edge when Berrington fell with the score on 238 - the target being 277 - but Iqbal received excellent support from No.10 batsman Gordon Goudie, who made an unbeaten 26 and steered his team home in a thrilling final over. Seamers Sudeep Tyagi and Dhawal Kulkarni had caused the bulk of the early damage by bagging three wickets each, but Berrington’s knock, along with assistance from the tail, left India in shock.
Richie Berrington and Moneeb Iqbal orchestrated a stunning comeback after it seemed all was over for the hosts.

who do u think deserves the man of the series award - Gautam Gambhir (IND) or Shahid Afridi (PAK)??
Both have played really well….please pick one of them or any other who deserves more?
Thank you!