Karachi, Dec 13: Pakistan's former Test captain Rashid Latif has predicted that Indian batsmen are in for a torrid time at the hands of Australia's new pace sensation James Pattinson during the coming Test series Down Under.
“From what I have seen of Pattinson so far in the Tests against New Zealand, I am convinced he will pose a lot of problems for the Indian batsmen and is likely to surprise them in the coming series,” said Latif.
“Pattinson has pace and bounce and he appears to be a thinking bowler. Most of the Indian batsmen have done very well down under in the past but are now getting on with age and their reflexes are not the same as in the past. I think they will come struggle against Pattinson in particular,” he claimed.
India has picked all their top batsmen for the Tests in Australia and the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid are already in Australia to get acclimatised to the conditions there.
Latif said the only batsmen he saw countering Pattinson was Virender Sehwag.
“Sehwag is a different type of player and a very belligerent batsman. He will attack all the time and he can upset the rhythm of a young bowler like Pattinson.”
Pattinson has picked up 14 wickets in two Tests against New Zealand.
Latif said he didn't see the Indians winning the Test series in Australia as their bowling was not up to the mark.
“Zaheer Khan is making a comeback after a long layoff and a lot of will depend on how he responds to his return to international cricket. I think the Indian selectors should have gone in for Irfan Pathan as he is performing well in their domestic cricket and he offers variety to the bowling.”
