Michael Kasprowicz is one of the world's most improved cricketers. For a bowler who has been on the fringes of the Australian side ever since he made his ODI debut in 1995-96, this year has proved to be the best of his career so far.
In eight Limited Overs Internationals this year, Kasprowicz has taken 17 wickets at an average of 13.00. In the Test arena his 12 wickets at 25.16 in the series against Sri Lanka provided the vital support that Shane Warne needed to spin his magic and send the islanders reeling to doom.
Against India, Kasprowicz hasn't had much success, though few will forget his heroic 5 for 28 in the third Test in Bangalore on the 1997-98 tour.
Senior Correspondent Ashish Magotra spoke to the 32 year-old medium-fast bowler, who is on his third visit to India with the Australian cricket team. Excerpts:
Kasper, in recent times you have really revitalized your career and come back as a striking force for the Aussies. What have you changed?
I guess by the sheer volume of cricket that I have played. I have played county cricket for a number of years and I guess I have managed to adjust my game now to a lot of different conditions. A couple of things more: I rely more on hitting the deck and am trying to swing the ball more.
I remember Steve Waugh talking about you being a bowler with great heart. So where does that come from?
I guess when you are playing for Australia and pretty much living your dream, I think it's pretty easy to go out there and give it your best. There are few people who are lucky enough to be able to do it. So, giving my best while playing for Australia is always going to be a guarantee.
How do you plan for this strong Indian line-up that includes Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly and Tendulkar?
My point of view would be to go there and control the way I bowl. Bowl a good line and length. I can't control how they bat, but I can control how I'll bowl. Someone like Sehwag, you mentioned all the other guys, but he can be very unpredictable. The Indian batting line-up is certainly one of the strongest in the world and playing them in conditions that they are comfortable with is going to be tough.
As a bowler, do you prefer bowling to an attacking batsman or is someone like Dravid, who takes his time getting set, more to your liking?
An attacking batsman goes for his shots and in the process you know he will give a chance and you hope that the chance will come sooner than later. With batsmen like Dravid, who are very patient, you just have to wait that much longer. So, I guess you will always get chances with both types of batsmen; the question is whether you have the patience and spirit to wait.
Does the intimidation factor weight on your mind as well?
Not really. It's like any side. You have to believe that you can win. As an individual you have to believe that you have done all you can to give yourself the best chance possible. When you are winning, the confidence flows through the entire team and in each player as well. The young people who come into the team or even me, returning to the team, you gain from that confidence.
I think England this summer after getting a few wins have seen the effects of the confidence as well. Their players have benefited greatly. And have become a side to reckon.
In this Australian line-up, there always is a great deal of competition for the third seamer's slot...
Competition is healthy, isn't it? There is a great relationship among the bowlers in the side. We got on very well and there is a great deal of respect for what we do. But there are only so many places to go around. Whilst it does make the job of the selectors very difficult, it is very healthy for the team. And that's what I can do, give it my best shot and hope for the best.
Your ODI batting average is almost 21. And that, in most cases, qualifies you to be an all-rounder. Do you fancy yourself as one?
[Laughing] I think most bowlers fancy themselves as batsmen. I actually had my highest first-class score in Nagpur during the last tour [1997-98], so I am hoping I can repeat the performance this time round.
In this Indian batting line-up, who do you think is the greatest threat to the Aussies?
I think it is tough to single people out; that is because there is great depth in your batting. Obviously, Laxman has a terrific record against Australia, Dravid is the best batsman in the world at the moment. Then you can't forget someone like Sachin Tendulkar. Not taking anything away from the other guys.
On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is highest, where would you place this Indian team?
Now that is a tough question. You are talking about some great batsmen, batting in home conditions. It really is a very tough assignment. I mean, if you look at the strength and depth, the Indian team has one of the strongest batting line-ups in the world.
So, what's your verdict for the series?
Well, I would like it to be 4-nil. It's going to be a great series, a fun series; that's the way I am still looking at it. I have certainly enjoyed my cricket in India. The crowds are great. Everyone loves cricket here.
What is the difference between Australian and Indian crowds?
For one, I don't understand the language. They are really passionate too. The main difference is the noise. There is just so much noise and it is non-stop all day, without relenting. While the Aussie crowds can sometimes give you space, there is nothing of that sort here. The Indian crowds certainly get into it and support their team whole-heartedly and noisily for every single ball, throughout the match.
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