Pathan was India's answer

MELBOURNE: Impressed by the way makeshift opening batsman Irfan Pathan handled Australian seam attack, former Test batsman Darren Lehmann has said it was a risky experiment but a 'really good idea'
   
Lehmann said the 23-year-old Pathan was the tourists' answer at the top of the order after out-of-sorts Wasim Jaffer failed in all his six innings on the tour.

"I think it's a really good idea, at least it allows them to play five bowlers," said Lehmann, who played 27 Tests for Australia.

"Young Wasim had probably been struggling a little bit to start the tour in the first three Tests, so I think it's a good idea to give them an extra bowler and he (Pathan) had to play, he bowled really well in Perth," he was quoted as saying by the 'Herald Sun'.

"It's a positive move, they've got to win the Test and it allows them to have five bowlers to get the 20 wickets" he added.

Lehmann also said the athletic Pathan had what it took to handle the pressure, particularly physically.

"It depends how hot it is but Irfan Pathan is a very, very good cricketer. He bats very well, and I've been impressed with the way he's come back into the side.

"I was quite surprised he got left out in Melbourne. I would have played him there where the pitch doesn't spin so much," he said.

"For him I think he'll be fine; he's a fit young man." he added.