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'India, England are evenly matched'
Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said the upcoming India-England series will be closely-contested between two good teams.
"Most people feel comfortable when they are playing at home in familiar conditions. That will be a huge part. Both the teams stack up well against each other, they are in top four teams in world. Both are pretty evenly-matched and they would like to take a match off the other. It will be hard core and entertaining and I am looking forward to that," Gilchrist told reporters at the University of Wollongong conference in Mumbai.
On the mind games between the two sides and the home team opting for turning tracks to assist their spinners, Gilchrist played it down and said it has become the norm of the day to have the conditions that suit the home team.
"It is very sad to have standardised playing conditions, but that is the beauty of the game. You have different pitches every game and the conditions change during the Test match. It is crucial that is kept. I don't think when you are playing in India, you go out and see turning wickets and be surprised by it. And nor should England be. And the same is the case in England (with their pitches). You test your skills with what is on offer and that is why it is called Test cricket," he said.
"It is just cat and mouse that goes before the series, little fun and games. England won't go through a shortage of batting time against spin bowling in their preparation, I am sure. Whether it's in the middle or if that is not available, they will get into the nets and have any number of spin bowlers bowling at them, I have got no doubt about that.
"I don't know the Indian selectors' mindset there. Whether they are resting these guys or keeping them fresh, as the case maybe. I am sure England will be prepared to face some spin bowling and will be practising accordingly at this moment," he said.
India faced a 4-0 drubbing in England, followed by a similar result in Australia last year.
Gilchrist said that the English side will have to sort out their differences in the dressing room, with the inclusion of controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen and need to work towards a common goal.
"I think Kevin Pietersen is one of the best cricketers in the world at the moment. He is one of the top 10 batsmen. Any team that has those skills in their set up will be better off. In a team set up you need that all relations are directed at common interest and goal. Kevin and English team will have to address that and make sure internally their relationships are okay to go and get the best out of each other."
On the mind games between the two sides and the home team opting for turning tracks to assist their spinners, Gilchrist played it down and said it has become the norm of the day to have the conditions that suit the home team.
"It is very sad to have standardised playing conditions, but that is the beauty of the game. You have different pitches every game and the conditions change during the Test match. It is crucial that is kept. I don't think when you are playing in India, you go out and see turning wickets and be surprised by it. And nor should England be. And the same is the case in England (with their pitches). You test your skills with what is on offer and that is why it is called Test cricket," he said.
"It is just cat and mouse that goes before the series, little fun and games. England won't go through a shortage of batting time against spin bowling in their preparation, I am sure. Whether it's in the middle or if that is not available, they will get into the nets and have any number of spin bowlers bowling at them, I have got no doubt about that.
"I don't know the Indian selectors' mindset there. Whether they are resting these guys or keeping them fresh, as the case maybe. I am sure England will be prepared to face some spin bowling and will be practising accordingly at this moment," he said.
India faced a 4-0 drubbing in England, followed by a similar result in Australia last year.
Gilchrist said that the English side will have to sort out their differences in the dressing room, with the inclusion of controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen and need to work towards a common goal.
"I think Kevin Pietersen is one of the best cricketers in the world at the moment. He is one of the top 10 batsmen. Any team that has those skills in their set up will be better off. In a team set up you need that all relations are directed at common interest and goal. Kevin and English team will have to address that and make sure internally their relationships are okay to go and get the best out of each other."
Gilchrist also praised Sachin Tendulkar, who was recently conferred the Membership of the Order of Australia, for deciding to play in the Ranji Trophy.
"I read he is playing a Ranji trophy match this week, his first one in three or four years. The fact that he wants to go and take that as preparation, with a serious Test series coming up is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to the game," he said.
Asked about Tendulkar's recent form, the retired Australian said, "A few times in 22 years, there's going to be some trough. I am not saying he is in a trough or not. I am not sure, where he places himself well enough. He has been in that 22 years, we were asked has he reached his peak.
"I am sure he himself doesn't feel he is at the peak of his career. I have got no doubt that his desire and appetite for success remains," said Gilchrist.
"I read he is playing a Ranji trophy match this week, his first one in three or four years. The fact that he wants to go and take that as preparation, with a serious Test series coming up is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to the game," he said.
Asked about Tendulkar's recent form, the retired Australian said, "A few times in 22 years, there's going to be some trough. I am not saying he is in a trough or not. I am not sure, where he places himself well enough. He has been in that 22 years, we were asked has he reached his peak.
"I am sure he himself doesn't feel he is at the peak of his career. I have got no doubt that his desire and appetite for success remains," said Gilchrist.
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