The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Durrani wary of India's chances in Tests

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Sunday, May 14, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Durrani wary of India's chances in Tests

Principal Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former India all-rounder and one of the heroes of the 1971 West Indies tour, Salim Durrani predicted a tough tour for the current Indian team in the West Indies.

"We will start as the favourites in one-dayers. We have bunch of talented youngsters under a great coach. The whole attitude of the team has undergone a sea change under Greg Chappell. Our fielding has really improved. We will continue our good form in the West Indies too," he said.

However, Durrani is wary of the team's chances in the Test series. "Test cricket is a different ball game. It will be hard fought series. The West Indies will have the home advantage. However, the key will be Brian Lara. He is a thinking captain. India does not have a good left-arm spinner," the former Test star said.

Terming Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina as agile and enthusiastic cricketers, Durrani said they would have to adapt themselves to different situations if they are to succeed in Tests.

Durrani also had a few words of praise for Kerala medium-pacer S. Sreesanth. He said Sreesanth reminded him of Ramakant Desai. " I think he is a natural bowler and his ability of swing the ball at good pace is simply beautiful," he said.

Fond memories

Durrani has some fond memories of the West Indies. It was here in 1962 that he scored his maiden century and he played a crucial role in India's Test series win for the first time in the West Indies in 1971.

Durrani, who got the crucial wickets of Gary Sobers and Clive Lloyd, said the West Indies team of 1962 was much better than the team of 1971. "They had five fast bowlers who were really quick. Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith were really hard to face. But to be honest, we fought hard contrary to the 0-5 scorline. We got a few bad decisions and often it was our best batsmen Polly Umrigar and Vijay Manjrekar who were at the receiving end."

He added, "but in 1971, in the crucial Test, we exploited the conditions better. I really bowled well in that match and the wicket suited my style. I bowled my heart out and hit the deck well to get those breakthroughs. The other Tests on that tour were high scoring draws. Gavaskar and Sardesai were outstanding on that tour," he said.

Durrani also chose to end the myth that he hit sixes on demand. "None can do it consistently in cricket. Of course, I was one who would take a few risks. It is just that I hit a few and it coincided with the demand of the spectators," he said.

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