Mon, Aug 09 10 07:17 PM
New Delhi, Aug 9 (PTI) Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram reckons that trio of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid gave India''s batting line-up a ''monstrous'' look in the just-concluded Test series against Sri Lanka. India drew the three-match series 1-1 after registering a five-wicket win over the hosts in the final Test at P Sara Oval in Colombo on Saturday. "Sachin, Laxman and Dravid continue to give the Indian batting line-up the ''monstrous'' look that it has and that showed. The way Laxman batted in the third Test at P Sara Oval was really commendable. The Indian team looked like a unit," Akram said. "The best thing about them is that they have gelled well with the youngsters. The team''s performance is uppermost in their minds," Akram told ESPNStar.com The 44-year-old, however, felt that the poor turnout in the series made it a rather boring experience. "The 1-1 result was a fair result. But the wickets, the poor turnouts and the general atmosphere made it a rather boring series. Except for some personal landmarks that determined the outcome of the matches and Muralitharan''s retirement, the series was nothing much to write about," the legendary pacer said. Akram rejected suggestions that Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv is a good replacement for retired spin-wizard Muttiah Muralitharan. "I am hearing a bit about Suraj Randiv. I haven''t seen him much so I would not like to comment, but anybody who takes wickets against a strong Indian line-up, must be having a lot of promise. But, for God''s sake, do not start saying he is a good replacement for Murali. 800 Test wickets is simply mind boggling," Akram said. India had lost the first Test at Galle by 10 wickets, while the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo had been drawn. Meanwhile, commenting on Pakistan''s performance in the ongoing four-match Test series against England, Akram said the English conditions would present a tough challenge to the young Pakistani side especially batsmen. "The series against England will be a stiff test for the young Pakistan team. The team struggled throughout the second Test at Birmingham," Akram said. He also trained his gun towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), planning to rope in a full-time batting coach. "Pakistan doesn''t need a batting coach. By introducing a coach, the technique of our batsmen will not change overnight. Obviously, Pakistan''s poor show in England has inspired the PCB to mull over an exclusive batting coach. But I wonder how a coach will radically change the technique needed to negotiate a moving ball in English conditions? I don''t think a batting coach will do any good.
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