The Rediff Interview / Justin Langer

'India will need to score heavily'

He is yet to play South Africa in Tests and may never have played for Australia again, until opener Michael Slater was dropped for the last Ashes Test.

After failing in the first four Tests, Justin Langer came good in the fifth Test of that Ashes series and hit 103, off 186 balls in 260 minutes, before a snorter of a delivery from Caddick left him with a throbbing left ear. In the process, he was involved in a first wicket partnership of 168 with Matthew Hayden -- the highest opening stand of the series.

"After a frustrating tour it was encouraging to finish so strongly," he says, reflecting on that century and the series against England, which, in a way, booked his place in the squad for the South Africa series next month which is being billed as the unofficial Test World championship.

Bred on the express WACA tracks, Langer, a strong back-foot player, shares his views on the South African team with Faisal Shariff, and feels the Indian team could well surprise the Proteas in the current series.

Excerpts from the conversation:

What is the essence of the Australian team now that most of the senior players seem to be on their way out?

I don’t think this is a correct statement. Steve [Waugh] and Mark [Waugh] may be closer to retiring from international cricket but they still may play for another couple of years. Both are in fantastic form and have been enormous contributors to the team in recent times. The rest of the squad is very experienced and this can only be a daunting prospect for any opponent.

Where does the strength of the Indian team lie?

Obviously, the Indian batting is outstanding. Coupled with a steady bowling attack, the Indian team will always be competitive in both forms of the game.

You have played against the Proteas, analyse the team?

They are a very competitive and professional outfit who prepare as thoroughly as this Australian team. With a number of excellent all-rounders and fast bowlers, I believe the South Africans are the biggest challenge to the Australian team,

What is their weakness?

Although they bat a long way down the order, I think the South Africans can be vulnerable at the top of the order. The way they play good leg spin might also be a factor to their success.

How should India counter the South Africans in SA?

Aggressive batting puts any opponent under pressure. India has the talent to attack the high quality South African attack, and I believe they will need to score heavily to put pressure on the South Africans.

Your prediction on the Test series..

My prediction is a tough Test series. It will be entertaining watching Sachin [Tendulkar], Rahul [Dravid], VVS Laxman and Saurav [Ganguly] taking on the SA bowlers.

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