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Home > Cricket > PTI > Report

Pakistan bowling would be tested: Mongia

February 28, 2004 20:09 IST

Former Indian stumper Nayan Mongia said on Saturday that the Pakistani bowling attack "will be tested to the limit" against the strong Indian batting line-up during the upcoming tour.

"Against our formidable batting line-up, the Pakistani bowling attack, which has a bunch of promising new ball bowlers, will be tested to the limit," said Mongia.

Terming the historic series as a "contest between the Indian batsmen and Pakistani bowlers", the 34-year-old Mongia believed that a few youngsters on either team could prove their worth.

"I would say the series would be very interesting and throw up a few youngsters on either side who could become future stars," said Mongia.

The former wicketkeeper also did not apprehend any crowd trouble during the team's visit to Pakistan.

Recalling his trip to Pakistan in 1989 along with the Indian U-19 squad, Mongia said:

"Pakistanis are basically cricket loving people. People would come and watch us play and appreciate good cricket and they were never hostile to the players".

"What I still remember is their lovely food. The food served to us was very tasty and we really enjoyed it," said Mongia, who played in 44 Tests, took 99 catches and scored 1442 runs.

Mongia also played down the security fears and said the players would be relaxed in the company of their families.

"The Pakistan government has assured adequate security to the players during the tour. Moreover the Indian Cricket Board has given permission for the players to take their families along with them. I personally think that should put players at ease," he said.

On the nature of wickets, Mongia echoed the general view that "the wickets would be similar to the ones we have in India and the Indian batsmen, who are in very fine nick, should enjoy playing on them as the bounce is low and consistent."

The stumper, who has some fond memories of his visit to Pakistan, said "I think the Indian under-19 team is one of the few teams to beat a Pakistan team at Karachi".

"I don't think many teams have beaten Pakistan in Karachi in any age group and we managed to do so," he added.

"I only wish the present set of players to play good cricket and come back victorious", Mongia said.

India, who have refused to play a Test match in Karachi, open their five-match one-day series with a game in the port city on March 13.

India will also play three Tests on their 40-day tour, the first one in nearly 15 years, beginning on March 11 with a practice match in Lahore.



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