Waugh backs India to beat Pakistan

Steve Waugh: 'India start as favourites' © Getty Images

Steve Waugh, the former Australian captain, has rated India as favourites in the upcoming home series against Pakistan. He believes that the series could get close if Pakistan played to their full potential, but still reckons India will edge it.

"India start as favourites. They are a very good team. They have good young bowlers and are also a good batting side," Waugh said in a press conference in Kolkata, where he had come to auction his cricket gear to aid the tsunami victims. Waugh was especially fulsome in his praise of Irfan Pathan, calling him the most promising of the new generation of Indian bowlers.

Waugh conceded that Pakistan had unlimited potential, but warned that they needed to harness their talent to be competitive in the series. Speaking about Pakistan's performance in the recently concluded tour of Australia, he said, "They played well in Australia in patches, but did not prove very competitive in the long run. They failed to sustain the momentum and handle the pressure. If they are consistent, they will do well in India."

Waugh also described Shoaib Akhtar, who has been recently questioned about his attitude and off-field antics, as a "top-bracket world-class cricketer", and reckoned that Bob Woomer, the Pakistan coach, had it in him to handle matters on Shoaib's discipline. "Bob Woolmer is a strong coach. It is his job to make his side disciplined."

Apart from this, Waugh said that this year's Ashes would be a tough contest due to England's recent form. "They are looking more purposeful, enjoying the game, and there is a togetherness in the side." England beat South Africa 2-1 in the recently concluded Test series, becoming only the second team, after Australia, to win a series in that country.