Indian conditions will challenge Australia - Kasprowicz

Michael Kasprowicz, the Australia fast bowler, says the seven-match one-day tour of India in September and October should be a challenge for his side. He said the series promised to be an exciting build-up to India's return tour starting in December, which includes four Tests and a triangular tournament also featuring Sri Lanka.

"It's going to be good cricket," Kasprowicz told PTI. "Australia are the World Cup champions. It will be a good test for them in India, where conditions are tough."

Kasprowicz proved his worth in India on three tours in 1998, 2001 and 2004. In eight Tests he picked up 19 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, and 11 in six one-dayers. However, he has been out of the side since the tour of South Africa last year, and injuries to his back and groin have delayed his comeback. Despite Glenn McGrath's retirement, he will still have to fight for a spot with the emergence of Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait and Stuart Clark.

Looking ahead to India's tour, Kasprowicz highlighted the performance of India's fast bowlers in England and said they could be a handful. The seamers, led by Zaheer Khan, accounted for 31 out of 40 wickets in the first two Tests.

"The Indian bowlers have been doing well," he said. "They are swinging the ball a lot. The pace attack is a good blend of senior and younger players. Some of them have not been seen before in Australia. This tour will be a good test for them."

With Sachin Tendulkar among the runs in England, Kasprowicz felt the forthcoming series in Australia could have an interesting duel between Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. "It will be a good series in Australia," he said. "I am looking forward to watching it. There will be an interesting duel between Sachin and Ponting when the Indians come."