Daredevils coach worried over inexperienced spin attack

Kolkata, April 4 (IANS) A day before their maiden Indian Premier League-V match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils coach Eric Simmons was worried Wednesday over his team having an inexperienced and below par spin attack in contrast to a formidable pace battery.

"We do a lack a big name as far as our spin department is concerned," Simmons told mediapersons on the sidelines of the team's practice session at the Eden Gardens here.

For Daredevils, the only spinner with international experience is South African Roelof Van der Merwe. "We do a lack a big name in our spin department," Simmons said.

"We got Roelof who has had international success in the past. So, he'll be key for us. Shahbaz (Nadeem) and (Pawan) Negi too aren't bad either." He said the team management was devising strategies for the spinners to throw surprises at their rivals.

"Now there are a few thoughts and ideas which we would like to use in our spin department to surprise the opposition."

In the pace department, however, lies Delhi's real bowling strength. Spearheaded by Morne Morkel, they also have names like Umesh Yadav and Kiwi Doug Bracewell.

The team also has a weakened top order with willowers Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene, Englishman Kevin Pietersen and David Warner of Australia busy serving their national teams, while explosive New Zealander Ross Taylor is nursing a broken hand. "We knew well in advance that Mahela, KP and David Warner will be missed. We're ready for the situation. But we had certainly expected Ross right from the very first game. Unfortunately, he was hit by none other than his Delhi teammate (Morne Morkel).

"In any case though, IPL's not a sprint; it's a marathon and we hope our players will peak at the right time," Simmons added.