Allan Border

The Aussie legend analyses the Bengaluru Test, the top performances and Kumble's problems

Monday, October 13, 2008

'Fab 4 not a threat for Australia'

Former Australia captain Allan Border, who captained his team to a World Cup victory in India in 1987 and was also the skipper during the famous Tied Test in Madras in 1986, is currently in India for the ongoing four-Test series. He spoke to Fox Sports after the fifth and final day of the Bengaluru Test and gave his inputs on a fascinating first Test match.

On the pitch
It was undoubtedly a flat pitch but was easier to bat on in the first two days. The toss was very crucial and Australia played well in the first innings. However it would have helped both teams if the pitch was more evenly bounced as shot making would’ve been easier. Ricky Ponting is not happy with the way the wicket played.

On the overall effort of Australia
Watson, Ponting and the whole team was fantastic. In spite of lack of experience they did exceptionally well. The main issue was the lack of a quality spin bowler. They are desperate for a good bowler, however I thought Cameron White tried his best.

Harbhajan and Zaheer’s half-centuries
That is where Australia lost the game. We (Australia) need to look at that aspect of our game. Our fast bowlers need to work even hard in the next Test. We need to dislodge the tailenders quickly.

Fab Four’s performance
Ah they must be quite disappointed I feel. They did not look like a threat to Australia. They are clearly not the players that have scored tons of runs against us.

Australia’s bowling
I wasn’t too happy to be honest. The over rates were slow then there was bad light and all. Cricket should be more vibrant and there must be quicker bowlers. I wont be surprised if Peter Siddle or Shaun Tait replaces Stuart Clark in the long run.

India’s spinners
Neither of the spinners (Harbhajan and Kumble) troubled India too much. The Australians did not allow them to dominate – which is a good thing. It probably had a little to do with the wicket. It did not change for five days. The Test match went in one direction and there wasn’t enough happening there.

Kumble’s problems
The seniors as a whole, there is a big problem there. We in Australia don’t know who will replace Kumble. There will surely be an inquiry into Kumble’s concerns. He didn’t look like the bowler that I have seen for so many years. India have more than a few problems.