Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram today said he would chose experience over youth in the do-or-die third Test for India, starting here tomorrow as he feels youngsters would not be able to make huge difference in the performance of the team straight away.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram today said he would chose experience over youth in the do-or-die third Test for India, starting here tomorrow as he feels youngsters would not be able to make huge difference in the performance of the team straight away.
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"Batting well will remain crucial and the Indians know what they will expect on a Perth pitch that will aid pace and bounce. At a time when a few pundits have suggested India must blood younger players and rest veterans like a VVS Laxman, I would still go with experience," said Akram.
"While I am aware of his potential, I can't see the inclusion of a Rohit Sharma will make a massive difference in the performance straight away. But while advising against too many changes for Perth, Indian selectors now have a problem to address.
Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar cannot be serving Indian cricket for ever.
"Where do they want to see India's Test team one year from now? I can't see too many answers. India still don't have anyone to replace Tendulkar. Dravid's runs are hard to ignore and Laxman has a lot of experience to back himself. Potential and promise is one thing. Translating these into holistic performance is another. The failure of Virat Kohli in MCG and Sydney is a classic case," he added.
The former fast bowler said that the team would once again bank heavily on Sachin Tendulkar as he has been the only one to have come good with the bat in this series so far.
"Sachin Tendulkar will have to play the leading role at WACA. He is the only one who has looked good in the series so far and Tendulkar will have happy memories of scoring a century in 1991-92," Akram told 'espnstar.com'.
"Perth will be India's last chance to salvage pride. With so much of experience in their kitty, it would be foolish to write the Indians off."
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