Justin Langer was a key player in the Australian team that beat both India and Pakistan last year. While the Aussies registered their first Test series triumph in India after 35 years, scoring a 2-1 victory, they thumped the visiting Pakistanis 3-0 at home.
The 34-year-old opener, who has played 85 Tests for Australia, suggests strategy for the arch-rivals in the upcoming Test series.
Five key things Pakistan should watch out against India:
1. Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. How do Pakistan limit their influence?
Kumble is easily one of the greatest bowlers in the world and always a tough proposition, especially in India. Because he bowls so many overs, the Pakistani batsmen will have to decide whether to be patient and defend or take a more aggressive approach.
In my view, the best and most successful batsmen in the world have the nerve and the skill to attack even the best spinners in the world.
Over the last few years, the reason Australia have had more success in the subcontinent is because our batsmen have had the courage to attack bowlers like Kumble, Harbhajan and Murali Karthik. Attack takes courage, but without courage a batsman has little chance against great spin bowlers.
2. The Indian batting line-up featuring the likes of Rahul Dravid, V V S Laxman, Virender Sehwag can take the game away from Pakistan. How do you counter them?
And don't forget the greatest player of the modern era Sachin [Tendulkar]. There is little doubt the Indian batsmen are some of the best in the world. If you wanted someone to bat for your life then you would want Rahul to walk out into the middle for you at the moment.
We were more defensive against India last series but while this is easy to have as a game plan we had the luxury of four or the most miserly bowlers to have played the game.
Pakistan may adopt a more defensive game plan but unless they have the bowlers to apply aggression to the defensive field settings they could be in for a hard time against such a strong Indian batting line-up.
3. Attack or defend? What is the trick on Indian pitches early on?
Attack is always the best approach in every facet of the game. It is always a fine line, but then again everything about our great game is a fine line. By attacking with the bat the opposition is always on the back foot as batsmen are if a bowler is attacking you.
4. The heat and humidity: will they be factors?
Both teams should be used to these conditions, so I can't see climactic conditions having an influence.
5. The intense pressure from the media and crowd. How does one block that out?
There are many distractions when playing international cricket. In fact, the defining difference between the good and great players is the ability to cut out all the distractions that can take you away from your game plan. This series will be about distractions and pressure, and the players who have the ability to deal with these will be the ones who make a difference to the ultimate results of their team's success or failure.
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Five key things India should follow in the series:
1. How does India tackle Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul Haq? Any chinks in his armour that the Aussies may have noticed?
Inzamam is a great player who carries the added responsibilities of captain, senior player, best batsmen and leader. The more pressure India can apply to him the greater their chances of success.
2. Danish Kaneria seems to have improved in leaps and bounds in recent times. How does India counter the leg-spinner who was Pakistan's best bowler in Australia?
Danish is developing into a superb leg spin bowler. He has good control, he is very aggressive and, on the outside, seems to have a true belief in his own ability. I would be very surprised if he doesn't become one of the leading wicket-takers in the world by the end of his career.
Indian batsmen play spin very well, but, I believe, they will have to respect Danish's ability, as he should be confident and ready after his series in Australia.
3. How do the Pakistani batsmen tackle the Indian pitches?
This series will be won or lost by how Pakistan's batting stands up against India's bowlers. There is plenty of talent in the Pakistani line-up, but it is now time for the talent to reproduce itself into runs. The only currency of value to a batsman is runs. So if Pakistan are to compete they will need more consistent runs than they produced in Australia.
4. Australia went in with three seamers for the Test matches. Does that mean you go in with a pace attack or go in with your best bowlers?
You have to go into a Test match with you four best bowlers. Obviously, the conditions have a bearing on this, but, regardless, you must pick your best four bowlers.
5. How does Pakistan create a positive team spirit after the hammering it got in Australia?
Positive team spirit comes from respect and winning -- it is pretty well as simple as that. If you respect yourself and your team mates then you are half-way there. Respect is crucial.
The only other sure fire solution is to enjoy consistent success. A lot is made of the spirit within the Australian camp and there is no doubt this is infectious. But, remember, within our walls we have enormous respect for each other; we work hard together, we celebrate hard together and we win a lot of games. It is difficult not to have a good team spirit when these things come together.
- JL
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