Don't read much into India's struggle against England: Pak coach warns team

Gearing up for a short tour of India, Pakistan cricket coach Dav Whatmore has warned his team against reading too much into the arch-rivals' struggle in the ongoing home Test series against England.

"We should not be complacent at all because of India's recent form against England. The fact is that the English team is playing professional and well at the moment and India have a big challenge to square the series," Whatmore told reporters on the first day of a week-long conditioning camp set up in Lahore for the tour to India from December 22.

India are currently fighting to save the series in the fourth and final Test after conceding a 2-1 lead to England.

"But I wouldn't read too much into it because the results of one Test series doesn't necessarily mean that India is a weak side as we all know how good they have been over many years," he said.

The former Australian Test player also felt that off-spinner Saeed Ajmal would continue to be Pakistan's trump card even in the coming T20 and ODI series against India.

"Obviously we will select our playing eleven and bowling attack after seeing the conditions on the particular day of the match. But feel we've enough boys in the group to satisfy the requirements of any conditions," he said.

Whatmore said Saeed would remain a threat for India even in their home conditions.

"If you recall Saeed bowled very well against India in the 2011 World Cup semifinal," Whatmore noted.

"A series against India from Pakistan's point of view is always important and since this is a bilateral series after five years it is going to be a challenge for everyone. But the truth is that I am looking forward to it and am very keen to do well," he said.

... contd.

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