Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels that the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner in the Australian team is quite similar to India not having Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the best players in their ranks.
“It’s a huge factor. This is like the Indian team not having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” said Ganguly, reports IANS, adding that this will be India’s best chance to win a Test series on the Kangaroo soil especially with the potent bowling attack that the subcontinent side now has.
It was under Ganguly’s leadership that India registered their best ever finish in a Test series in Australia. The team in the 2003-04 series came with a 1-1 draw.
“A great moment for Indian cricket. This is their best opportunity to beat Australia. India are a good side and have a good bowling attack. I have seen in England that they (bowlers) have taken 20 wickets in every test. But you also have to keep in mind that Australia in Australia are a different kettle of fish. Many feel that they are a weak outfit but I don’t think so,” added the 46-year-old currently presiding as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
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India are scheduled to play four Test matches in Australia starting from December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. With the tour approaching, the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) had appealed to Cricket Australia (CA) at the start of this month to lift the punishment of the banned trio. But no such indications have been made as yet meaning Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft may not return to international cricket before March 29 next year.
Meanwhile, Ganguly was also asked about India skipper Virat Kohli’s ‘leave India’ comment during an outrage against a fan on Twitter. The southpaw, however, refused to make any comment, saying that “I would not like to comment on that. It’s not necessary to react to each and every comment.”
He also informed that pacer Mohammed Shami had spoken of his desire to play for the Bengal team in their next Ranji Trophy match against Kerala. The right-arm fast bowler has suffered a slight niggle and was rested after the second ODI match against the West Indies.
“Shami has wanted to play. If he plays it’s good for the Bengal side. We had written a letter before the first match as well to play him but he had a few fitness issues for which he had to go to rehabilitation. If he plays, it’s great.”
Image Source: DNA