NEWS
Big challenge for the Aussies.
By Talkin Sport Monday, 26 July 2010
Test opener Simon Katich says Australia faces a big challenge in the upcoming Test series against world leader India, with several newer members of the team yet to play senior cricket in that country.
On Monday morning, Katich and paceman Doug Bollinger were the first members of the squad to return home from the drawn two-Test series against Pakistan in England.
Several of their team mates opted to remain in the northern hemisphere for some holiday time prior to a challenging end to their Test year.
The two-Test series in India will be quickly followed by the Ashes defence back home.
India remains the top ranked Test nation despite being humbled by Sri Lanka in Galle last week.
Katich, the only Australian batsman to average over 40 against Pakistan, said it would be a very tough series against the Indians.
"We do have obviously quite a few young guys stepping into Test cricket now who haven't played in India before, so that will be a test for them, but it's going to be a good challenge," Katich said.
He thought Australia's two newest Test players, all-rounder Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Tim Paine, were brilliant against Pakistan and felt each had a bright future.
But Katich acknowledged specialist pacemen - Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Bollinger - weren't at their best against the Pakistanis.
"I guess the guys probably would have been a little bit disappointed, but they were all trying and you can't fault their efforts," he said.
"They all put in and tried their hardest, it just didn't happen."
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