Mohammad Shami is behind Nathan Lyon in list of highest wicket-takers in the series. He, however, was pounded on Day 4 of Sydney Test by Aussie batsmen.
© AP
India's overseas Test performance has repeatedly plunged the side into despair. The current tour of Australia is no different. The hosts, after sealing the four-Test series 2-0, have piled on runs once again at Sydney - taking full advantage of a rickety Indian bowling attack. Former cricketer Sourav Ganguly feels the Indians are in desperate need of guidance and the experience of Anil Kumble can be a massive boon. (Scorecard | Day 4 Report | Highlights )
Australia ended Day Four of the final Test on 251/6, with a lead of 348. That India face a record chase now is due to a lackluster bowling effort on Friday that allowed the opposition to hit big. Ganguly feels it is the lack of overseas bowling finesse that has repeatedly haunted the team. The quick bowlers, especially have been profligate. Accuracy, not so much of pace, has been the biggest issue.
"I do not think it is a problem of skill or talent. I see a lot of that. What our bowlers need is proper guidance," said the former captain, who led India to 21 Test wins. "I was fortunate to have good spinners like Anil (Kumble) in my side. Someone like him should be spending more time with our bowlers."
Ganguly also compared Australia spinner Nathan Lyon's line to how the Indians have bowled - observing that the hosts have been more disciplined in their attack.
"Our bowlers have targeted middle-stump. The reason why (Nathan) Lyon has picked so many wickets is because he has focused on the region just outside off. That is the right place," said Ganguly.
"These are the small problems that Kumble can help our bowlers fix." Lyon has claimed 21 wickets in the series so far while India's premier spinner - Ravichandran Ashwin� -- has 12. Pacer Mohammad Shami is second on the list of highest wicket-takers in the series with 15 but was heavily punished on Friday.
While Australian batsmen went on the attack on Day Four, Ganguly warned against an all-out blitzkrieg from the Indians in reply.
"Indian batsmen can try to attack for a bit. I think Virat Kohli will play hard but he will need support from others. (However) The lower-order should not be under any pressure on the final day," said Ganguly.
India are staring at a target that could be well over 350 on a track that has begun to show the effects of wear and tear. The highest successful run-chase at this venue is 288 which means the task for the tourists would be even more difficult although Kohli and young Lokesh Rahul slapped centuries in the first innings.
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