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ShareMatthew Hayden doesn't want to hazard a guess about the current India-Australia series but tells DNA that the players to watch out for are Suresh Raina and Tim Paine. Excerpts from an interview:
How do you see the Nagpur match panning out?
I think not just this match, but the whole series will be seriously fought. Both sides have been very good over the last 12 months. Australia, in particular, have performed brilliantly since the Ashes defeat.
Is there any particular weakness in the Australian side that India can exploit?
Not surely in one-day cricket. They have been doing well in the last six months. I would expect them to peak at the right time for the next World Cup. They also seem to be zeroing in on the personnel for the premier tournament.
How do you rate the current openers? Watson-Paine surely are not in the Hayden-Gilchrist class?
They are developing into world class openers. Shane Watson's abilities are well-documented. Everyone in India has seen him in IPL 1 and recently in the Champions Trophy. He has been very consistent. His power-play is very good. His class is permanent. As for Paine, he is the future of Australian cricket. I'm very excited about his abilities. He is an exciting character. He has got tremendous leadership qualities. I think he is the future captain. His career has been on an upswing. This current tour of India will be crucial to his career. I will be watching him very keenly.
Ponting seems unstoppable...
In my book, he is the most premier batsman in the world in all formats of the game. The cricketing community in the world acknowledges this. Besides, he is a great leader. His class is unmatchable.
How do you compare him with your captain MS Dhoni (at Chennai Super Kings)?
He is a cool captain. His calmness is his strength and the best thing about his captaincy is the simplicity. He doesn't complicate things. I like his leadership qualities.
What about the Indian openers? Do you think Sachin Tendulkar is the same old batsman?
I do not think Sachin Tendulkar has any way mellowed or slowed down. He is the same world class batsman. Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag are class openers and hold the balance of the side. They are crucial to India's chances in the World Cup. Every team is wary of their destructive abilities. But I'm particularly impressed by Suresh Raina. He is a class player and a good asset for India. I would love to see him bat at No.2 or 3.
How do you analyse the current Indian spin attack, particularly Harbhajan?
He is a match-winner. There is no question about that. He is a world-class spinner and I'm sure the Australians have respect for his abilities and will handle him carefully.
What is your prediction for the series -- 6-1, 5-2 or 4-3 for either side?
It is difficult to predict. It will be a close series. Both the sides are playing well. Some conditions will suit Australia and some will favour India. So can't guess the outcome.
Do you see yourself as a batting coach of the Australian or Indian team?
I am still playing Twenty20 cricket and I'm committed to that. I want to perform on the field. I'm the proud owner of my Orange Cap and I want to win that again in the next IPL. So at this stage I'm not seeing myself as a coach. I need more than 24 hours in a day to be a coach. I'm focused on being the best batsman that I can be. I have started practice for the IPL III already. I'm doing too many things at this stage. Having said that, I will admit that I have some ideas for Indian cricket.
