The match-up between Australia's bowling attack and India's star-studded batting
line-up will decide the fate of the upcoming Test series Down Under, Sri Lankan
captain Mahela Jayawardene has said.
After the retirement of legends Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, the
Aussie bowling has a new look to it. But the attack led by Brett Lee passed
its first test as the hosts registered a 2-0 win over the Lankans in the series
which ended in Hobart yesterday.
Jayawardene predicted the Indian batsmen, too, will not find
it easy.
"The Indians have always competed well against the Australians. Their
strength would be their batting, and that is an area they will definitely bank
on," the right-hander said.
"This Australian attack will be a tough challenge for the top seven Indian
batsmen. That's where I think the series will be won or lost," he added.
Anil Kumble's side start their three-Test series against arch
rivals Pakistan in Delhi tomorrow after which they will make the trip
to take on Ricky Ponting's men in their own backyard.
The Indians will start with a three-day game against Victoria
beginning December 20 before the first Test in Melbourne starting on December
26.
It will be followed by Tests in Sydney, Perth and Adelaide,
a Twenty20 international and a triangular one-day series with Sri Lanka as the
third side.
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