Team India finds a new admirer

Indian cricket teamon Tuesdayfound a new admirer in Bob Woolmer who said the side had taken giant strides forward since its defeat to Pakistan at home in 2004-05.

"They have improved by leaps and bounds. In fielding, they have improved by upto 70 to 90 per cent from the last time when we played them in India last year. They are also bowling very well," the Pakistani coach said.

"I am very impressed with Sreesanth. He has bowled very well with the new ball and at the death.

"It is very important for us to find ways to counter attack their bowlers. And that's why it is going to be a very interesting contest when we play them in the two matches here."

Asked about the way India had been using its fifth bowler option, Woolmer said "Yuvraj Singh is on a mission.

"He is quite an intelligent bowler. It is a good tactic to have him bowl slow from one end and fast from the other. However, sometimes it may not work."

But Woolmer did not think that the 4-1 defeat to India at home earlier this year would weigh heavy on the mind of his players.

"What happened in that series is forgotten, that is history now. We are looking at these two matches afresh."

First Published: Apr 18, 2006 10:48 IST