McGrath warns India to watch out for young bowlers & Ponting

Pace legend Glenn McGrath today warned India to take Australia's young fast bowlers lightly at their own peril and backed embattled batsman Ricky Ponting to come good in the first Test starting here on December 26.

McGrath backed his former team-mate Ponting despite a poor run of form and a century drought which stretches almost two years to come up with a strong performance in the four-match Test series.

"I'm expecting big things from Rick," McGrath told reporters here today. "He's got a big score not far away, I think. I have no doubts that our batting line-up will do the business," he said.

McGrath was speaking at the SCG at the launch of an art project that will raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

McGrath warned the star-studded Indian batting line-up not to take the home side bowling lightly, saying the injection of young blood in the team would invigorate Australia's performance.

"I think it's an exciting time for any young cricketer, especially young bowlers coming through at the moment. You saw what (James) Pattinson's done, what (Pat) Cummins (has) done. (Mitchell) Starc's in the mix," said McGrath.

Talking about spinner Nathan Lyon, he said, "To have a spinner working alongside the quicks is again pretty exciting because he hasn't played much Test cricket either so hopefully the Indians will be surprised." "In the bowling department, I'm really excited. There's a lot of opportunity for the young guys and that's also in the batting department too."