While India is most likely to play two spinners in the first Test at Mohali, commencing on Tuesday, the early indications are that Pakistan may go in with three seamers and Danish Kaneria, the lone specialist spinner.
"The wicket looks like it is good for fast bowlers. But after 4-5 days it will help the spinners too. It looks like a really good Test match wicket. It is good for the bowlers and if the batsmen concentrate they can score runs as well," said Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq on Monday.
"The toss will be vital, given the conditions, and the team that wins is most likely to bowl first," he added.
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The mornings and evenings in Mohali are still quite cool and we can be sure that the conditions will help the seamers.
Inzamam rubbished all talk of revenge for last year's series' loss to India.
"It is a sport. Don't talk of revenge; we all look to win. It is natural in a series such as this."
Everyone saw the youngsters in Pakistan's ranks and almost immediately branded them as the underdogs for the series. It is a tag that Inzamam is comfortable with.
"We know we are not the favourites for the series. But we know we can compete and win. The conditions are pretty similar to what we have in Pakistan and that means we know what we have to do to win.
"The only difference between India and Pakistan is that while India has a lot of experienced players, I have a very young side."
During the Test series in Australia, Inzamam experienced severe pain in the back. But the Pakistan skipper is confident "fitness won't be a problem" in this series.
Pressure will always be there in any match. And no matter how many India-Pakistan matches you have played, you will feel even greater pressure in such games.
"The team is young and that is why the 3-4 seniors will have to take a lot of responsibility and, as captain, I am aware and confident of handling my tasks with confidence."
Inzamam is not a talker; he is a doer. Come Tuesday, he will be looking to guide Pakistan to the perfect start they seek for the series.
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