Pakistan have all-round edge

The on-field Test matches between India and Pakistan have the makings of a blockbuster series, writes Ian Chappell.

While the off-field one-upmanship has been an interesting sideshow, the on-field Test matches between India and Pakistan have the makings of a blockbuster series.

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India approaches the series with two distinct advantages; they are a settled line-up and their captain is more experienced. Sourav Ganguly might have his limitations, especially in handling leftarm orthodox spinners but these pale into insignificance when compared with Inzamam ul-Haq's shortcomings.

Inzamam's problems revolve around his influence on the field; he was hardly ever on it during the Australian Test series and when he was, his fielding was uninspir ing. A captain has to stay on the field for all but a serious injury and if Inzamam's back continually requires treatment, then he should stand aside.

Ganguly is also a poor fielder but he has inspired a tough edge to India's cricket that was previously missing. However, now that this attitude is ingrained, Ganguly needs to broaden his influence or his use-by-date will approach faster than a Shoaib Akhtar thunderbolt.

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