India is new Australia, says Abdul Qadir

Karachi, Nov 10 (IANS) Pakistan's legendary spinner Abdul Qadir said Monday that India is the 'new Australia' of the cricket world after it blanked Ricky Ponting's men 2-0 in a four-match Test series in Nagpur.

Qadir, who is widely tipped to take over as Pakistan's new chief selector, said winning two Tests in a four-match series against Australia was a huge feat.

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'I believe that India is now the new Australia of Test cricket. By beating the Aussies in the four-Test series, India has proved that it is now the world's best team,' said Qadir.

India defeated Australia by 172 runs on the final day of the fourth and final Test in Nagpur to complete a stunning 2-0 series win.

But two of its greatest Test cricketers - Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly - announced their retirements.

Qadir said India will miss their presence in the near future. 'I believe that both Kumble and Ganguly were two great assets of the Indian team and they will be missed in the coming months,' he said.

Qadir said Pakistan, which is scheduled to host India in Jan-Feb for three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 International, will have to give its best to be able to counter the rampaging Indians. 'India is in form and Pakistan will have to make a Herculean effort to beat them,' he concluded.