is important to have the right people around in terms of helping out these young boys because they are young and raw. They will have to work with them and it will not happen overnight. But it is not rocket science either so they will have to keep working on getting the consistency part right.” Perhaps R Ashwin was the only stand-out bowler during the last two Tests, bowling with control and discipline in both Melbourne and Sydney. He picked up 12 wickets in three Tests played this series — 10 of those in the last two Tests — but missed support from the other end. Even so, Ganguly seemed unimpressed by the spinner’s showing. “Ashwin has got to bowl a lot better especially when it matters later in the Tests. He has been around for a while and now he is an experienced bowler. His lines have to get a lot better especially in overseas conditions. He has to keep bowling a lot outside the off stump and reduce variations even more,” said the cricketer-turned-commentator. With the Test series done, focus now turns towards the ODI leg of the tour with the Indian team playing a tri-series against Australia and England starting in Melbourne on January 16. Thereafter India will be defending their champions’ crown in the World Cup starting February 14. “It has been a long tour already. The players need to keep themselves fresh. The selectors have done a good job with the World Cup squad and it is quite balanced. Not to mention, Dhoni will be back and he is a terrific one-day player. I am sure he will prove to be a huge force in the coming months,” Ganguly signed off.
PTI