Contradicting his former captain Ian Chappell's statement, Australian pace bowling great Dennis Lillee said on Friday that there was no reason why India cannot sustain their numero uno Test status.
"I don't agree with Ian Chappel's that India cannot sustain their number one status in Test cricket," Lillee told reporters at the MRF Pace Foundation here.
"I don't see a reason why India can't sustain their position. At the moment India has a balanced attack. Sometimes it is not all about out and out fast bowling. Australia also lacks a genuine tearaway pacers. Except Dale Steyn there are not many bowlers who can be express and also deal with swing and seam," he said.
Chappell had said recently said that it is unlikely that India will sustain their number one Test status as they quality bowling attack and batting alone cannot deliver the goods for them for a longer period.
But Lillee begs to differ with Chappell and said former India captain Kapil Dev is a classic example of what a fast bowler can do if he can exploit the conditions well enough.
{{/usCountry}}But Lillee begs to differ with Chappell and said former India captain Kapil Dev is a classic example of what a fast bowler can do if he can exploit the conditions well enough.
{{/usCountry}}"As long as the bowlers know what to do with the conditions, it should be fine. There is no greater example than Kapil Dev who got the job done irrespective of where he was operating (at home or overseas). I don't agree with Ian's (Chappell) take on India," he said.