Zaheer, Ishant and Yadav can form India's best pace attack: Lawson

Former Australia fast bowler Geoff Lawson feels that the trio of Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav can potentially end up as India's best pace attack ever. "I saw Umesh bowl during the IPL for Delhi Daredevils against us (when Lawson was coach of the now defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala).

"I always wanted to see him bowl with a Kookaburra ball here in Australia -- on bouncy pitches. It's nice to see that he's figured out the exact length to bowl here. He's got raw pace and doesn't get carried away. For a guy on his first tour to Australia, he has shown a lot of maturity. Good on him."

"And Ishant too has really come of age. Today, he clocked 150 kmph and with the perfect length. I definitely feel that this trio of Ishant, Zaheer and Umesh can potentially be one of India's best pace attacks of all time. Only thing is that Zaheer could be on his last legs. But I like the look of Varun Aaron too. Once Zaheer is gone, Aaron could prove a handy replacement," Lawson told MiD DAY.

India opener Virender Sehwag agreed with Lawson. "Definitely, this is the best bowling attack I have ever played with," he told reporters during the post-match media briefing. Ben Hilfenhaus, who spearheaded India's collapse yesterday with a five-wicket haul, had reportedly trained with a few Australian Football League (AFL) players after being dumped from Australia's Test squad following last year's Ashes series.

Hilfenhaus has come back a stronger and faster bowler from a career-threatening knee surgery. "I am not sure if Hilfenhaus going and training with AFL guys has done him that much good. It's purely a case of him recovering from a bad knee injury.

Hilfenhaus on top

"He's definitely put on a couple of yards of pace, and has got that swing going both ways. I don't think Ryan Harris can return to the side unless he plays a few games. "Hilfenhaus could lead this attack going into the Test series. I have to give it to this pace-attack of Australia. Not too many gave them a chance before the start of the Test, but they have done brilliantly," said Lawson.