Akram: Seniors saved India

Akram: Seniors saved India

Former Paskistan skipper Wasim Akram said India could hold on to a draw in Bangalore thanks to the way the seniors batted.

Speaking to Mobile ESPN, Akram said: "If India had played inexperienced batsmen in the match, Australia would have wrapped up the Test half an hour after Tea on Monday."

"Sachin (Tendulkar), VVS Laxman, Rahul (Dravid) and Sourav (Ganguly) played according to the situation. It was certainly not an easy wicket to bat on."

The former-cricketer-turned-commentator said the first Test was a close affair: "I had said before the match that India would be the favourites but the toss played a crucial factor."

The highest wicket taker in ODI's was impressed by India's pace attack but was critical of the spinners.

"Zaheer (Khan) and Ishant (Sharma) bowled brilliantly. They got the reverse swing going, hid the shiny part and came along really well."

"However, the spinners disappointed, especially Anil Kumble. It was his kind of a wicket."

The former sultan of swing felt if India came across similar wickets in the remianing venues and batted first after winning the toss and got a good score on the board, Australi would feel the pinch.