'Spin should turn series'

Former off-spinner Ashley Mallett has cautioned Australia against relying too much on their pace attack when they take on India, saying the novice spin duo of Bryce McGain and Jason Krejza will have an important role to play in the four-Test series.
With a lineup that boasts of Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson, Australia would be tempted to rely massively on pace to take bulk of the wickets but Mallett said he won't be surprised if India prepares a pitch tailor-made for the spinners.
"If they think they are going to win it with pace they won't because the Indians are going to prepare absolute turners," Mallett told AAP.
"From what I think might happen they will look at Australia's attack and there are two inexperienced spinners so they will try to pit their two spinners against our two spinners," he added.
Mallett, who scalped 28 wickets at 19.10 in five Tests during Australia's 1969-70 tour, said although McGain and Krejza lack experience, they have the potential to wreck havoc on the Indian squad.
"You never know, they are untried," Mallett said.
"McGain had a terrific season and the other guy, well figures-wise wasn't that impressive but he does give it a bit of a rip so he has a real chance. But you never know, you throw a couple of guys in the deep end and you see what happens," he added.
Another former Australia leg-spinner Kerry O'Keeffe, who worked with McGain at the Academy a decade ago, echoed Mallett's views.
"I'm still bullish about Bryce on those pitches but it's going to be tough. I think he can do a job on particular pitches. He's a terrific fella," O'Keefe said.