Leaving out Yuvraj will be a folly, says Miandad

NEW DELHI: Thanks to a packed middle order, Yuvraj Singh's chances of playing in the first Test against England look slim but former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad feels it would be a folly if the Indian think-tank ignores the dashing left-hander.

Heaping praise on Yuvraj, Miandad said the Punjab player's abundant talent and electrifying fielding made him an automatic choice.

"It would be a great folly to ignore a player of Yuvraj's
calibre," Miandad said.

"He is a supreme talent, one of the best in the game today. Besides, he brings the X-factor to the side with his fielding," the former Pakistan captain told Cricketnext.com.

Asked how could be Yuvraj accommodated in the Indian battling line-up, Miandad said Dinesh Kaarthick, despite his modest success, could be left out with flamboyant Mahendra Singh Dhoni continuing behind the stumps.

Miandad also predicted that Sachin Tendulkar would excel again in the series.

"I would back Sachin (Tendulkar) to come good. He looks to have found some much-needed form and confidence. The way he batted in Ireland, I could see that he was getting back his rhythm."

However, Sourav Ganguly, Miandad felt, might struggle on the seaming tracks in England.

The Pakistani great felt the Indian team would miss Virender Sehwag's presence but admitted the Delhi batsman needed to get enough runs in domestic cricket under his belt before making a comeback.

"Sehwag at his best would have made a world of difference to the Indian side. But it would be unfair to expect him to deliver in England when he is struggling for form. Sehwag would be better served if he plays domestic cricket and finds his confidence," Miandad said.

Miandad is convinced that Rahul Dravid's men had slight edge over England and he also felt the Indian attack was potent enough to bowl out England twice.

"It is widely held that India have a weak new-ball attack but I don't share that view. Zaheer Khan is bowling as well as ever. The rest of the attack will take some time to mature but I don't think it is short on confidence."

Apart from Zaheer, Miandad was also impressed by paceman S Sreesanth's attitude. "I like that man. His verve and spirit can be contagious to any side. He has the attitude that is typical of a fast bowler."

On Monty Panesar, Miandad said the left-arm spinner won't be much of a trouble for the Indian batsmen.

"One should not read too much into what he (Panesar) achieved in the Test series against the West Indies. There is a difference in the way batsmen from the sub-continent negotiate spinners. I think Monty will find the going tough against the Indians."