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ShareMichael Kasprowicz may be currently doing commentary but is not averse to a coaching assignment in India. In conversation with Vijay Tagore, the former Australia pacer discusses the current ODI series, Sachin Tendulkar and Ishant Sharma. Excerpts:
Did you expect the series to be so close?
It was always going to be harsh on Australia to play in the Indian conditions. But they got used to the conditions very well. Given that nine main players are not playing because of the injuries -- four did not come here and five were sent home -- it was wonderful the way all these new players have gelled.
What could be the final outcome?
Very hard to predict. The matches have been very close. You have to go with your heart. There have been amazing individual performances. On a given day, you are going to see fantastic brand of cricket. I have to go with my heart and say that it will be Australia.
How do you rate the two teams?
With Yuvraj, Gambhir, Dhoni and now Sachin Tendulkar, India have a strong batting line-up backed by a good bowling attack. I think the Australian team, with relatively unknown players, has done very well. They relied on Hussey, Ponting but Cameron White and Shane Watson have impressed me.
What about Sachin Tendulkar? How has he evolved or changed since you last bowled to him?
Has he changed? I think he has got better. It was unfortunate that he could not get India over the line in Hyderabad. What is really special about him is that even after 20 years of international cricket, he's still got the hunger. That hunger, competitive spirit and hard work differentiate him from the rest.
Why is that Australia win close matches more than they lose? There is a perception here that the Indians wilt under pressure... like they did in Hyderabad.
I'm not too sure Australia always win close matches. The fact is that Australians believe that they can win close matches. They train very hard, prepare very well and because of that is the belief that they can win from any situation.
What India need to do now to win the series?
They are not doing anything wrong. But if they have to win, they have to be consistent. In a long series like this, the more consistent team wins. If India can get good start with the new ball, spinners tie up the middle overs and if the batsmen get good partnership, they can win. It's pretty simple.
What is the standout feature of the current game?
Seven-match series is long but it is still alive. That is the most significant point. There was a talk that there has to be only five matches and one-day cricket is dying. All that is proved wrong. The series has proved that one-day cricket is very much alive.
Is there any formula for pace bowlers to avoid injuries?
May be they need to be training more than playing. Because of the volume of cricket these days, the bowlers get to play more than they get to train. It is also about one's body, limitations and giving enough time for one's body to recover.
What about Ishant Sharma? He bowled over 150 kmph in Melbourne and now he is nowhere near that mark.
Andy Bichel worked with Ishant Sharma at Kolkata Knight Riders and he is my buddy. He told me that Ishant is a bowler to watch out for. I don't see any problems with his bowling. There is a lot of pressure on him in India but one should know that it is not easy to bowl at 150 kmph every time. There is a long summer ahead for India and I'm sure he will come good. The best thing about him is he is naturally a fast bowler and there are many tricks in his armoury.
Finally many Australians are in India as coaches. The Indian team too doesn't have a bowling coach. Do you give yourself any chance to be a coach in India?
Why not? I have played for 19 years of professional cricket and was part of the England's dressing room. I enjoyed my experience of coming here and helping the young cricketers in the ICL's Mumbai team. So I love helping young cricketers. Any young cricketer lookingfor help, I love doing it.
