Amarnath worried over India's failure to adapt to Australian pitches

Kolkata, Feb 7 (IANS) Expressing concern over the Indian players failure to adapt to Australian playing conditions even after spending more than two months Down Under, former cricketer Mohinder Amarnath Saturday rued the non-inclusion of leg spinner Amit Mishra, speaking of his effectiveness in the World Cup.

Amarnath, who played a stellar role in India's first World Cup triumph in 1983, said the team's batsmen were still unable to judge the bounce of the wicket.

"The problem which the Indians are facing both in batting and bowling is that they have not yet come to terms with the nature of the wicket, although they have been in Australia for over two months now," Amarnath said at a press conference here.

Amarnath bagged the Man-of-the-Match award in both the semi-final and final of India's triumphant march 32 years ago.

"The batsmen are still to judge the bounce of the wicket and trying to play shots, the way they play in the sub-continent where the bounce is low. In Australia, the bounce is higher and the ball comes higher on to the bat, so the batsman will have to make adjustments," he said.

Amarnath also asserted that India missed out by not selecting Mishra.

"India's strength has always been spin and it certainly will be crucial how they perform. But I think the selectors missed out by not opting for a leg spinner.

"They should have picked Amit Mishra as leg spin can play a great part on Australian wickets. During the 1985 tour to Australia Laxman Shiva Rama Krishnan played a crucial role," added Amarnath.