Chennai: James Pattinson believes that despite the retirements of batting greats like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxma, India still have a world-class batting line-up that can change the course of the game very quickly.
He said, “Indian squad looks much different from what we faced last time. May be Indian team is not under the likes of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid anymore but Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar is there and he is going to be a big challenge for us in this series.”
"It's going to be a good contest between both the sides. We relished the conditions in Australia when we played last time but in Indian conditions are completely different and it’s going to be a test of character for us," he told reporters after the team's optional training session here.
The 22-year-old from Victoria pinned his hopes on skipper Michael Clarke, who, he believes, is the best player of spin bowling in the tourists' line-up.
"We have got some good players of spin bowling and all of our batsmen are spending good amount of time to hone their skills against a quality spin attack of India. Michael Clarke is also one of the best players of spin in the world and hopefully he can play the role that Alastair Cook did," he said.
Talking about himself, he said, “I am now more mature now and my aim is to play Test matches on regular basis. The best way to learn is by playing cricket and not just by bowling in the nets. So, I am going to manage that in the next couple of years until I become 26 at which point I can play almost every test available."
“Players like Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson had gone through such injuries but they have bounced back well and so do I”, he said when he was questioned about his rib injury.
He added,” I am fit enough to make Test return after recovering from a rib injury. It's frustrating not to play consecutive games through the year.”
"Our bowling attack looks very balanced because of a nice variety in pace attack. Jackson Bird is with two left-arm bowlers, Mitchell Johnson and Starc, who has been bowling fantastically. The best thing about this bowling attack is that we all have something special which makes us more lethal." he added.