Glenn-Shane exit not to affect Australian dominance: Kasprowicz

Kolkata, Aug 11 (UNI) Though Aussie medium pacer Michael Kasprowicz isn't too convinced that the likes of legendary bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne could be recreated, he is certain that Australian cricket's unflinching dominance will not show any signs of receding.

''Both McGrath and Warne are always going to be special for Australian cricket. It's hard to recreate them. In fact, it's impossible to recreate them. One can't expect the young players in the team to become like them, it's unfair on the youngsters,'' Kasprowicz said.

The tall pacer, who played in two memorable Test matches at the Eden Gardens here, was speaking to the media here yesterday when he came as the brand ambassador of Queensland University.

However, despite ruling out chances of Australia's new breed emulating the feats of McGrath and Warne, Kasprowicz reckoned, ''Our country's cricketing structure is too good for the Board and fans to worry about the onset of a transition phase in the national team. The standards will be maintained.'' Kasprowicz, a veteran of 113 Test wickets, has been in and out of the national team for close to three years now.

As the raging topic of the Indian Cricket League (ICL) came up, he said, ''I haven't received any offer from ICL and I am not interested at the moment,'' adding, ''There was enough scope for the league's supporters to carry on with their venture.'' ''When it comes to Indian cricket, there's plenty of following, there's plenty of cricket to catch up with, particularly on TV.

Personally, I feel there's so much cricket-following in India that there's always enough room for things like this (read: ICL),'' the right-arm pacer from Queensland said.

As for the upcoming inaugural Twenty20 World Cup, Kasprowicz called upon the bowling fraternity not to lose heart and instead adapt to newer challenges.

''This form of cricket brings skill levels closer than ever before. So, games are going to be closer and it's going to be all the more challenging for bowlers. I think given the combination that Australia has now, they should win the World Cup,'' the 35-year-old pacer explained.

He also said the memories of bowling to Sachin Tendulkar and getting him out twice on the Indian tour were some of the moments he cherished.

Terming the ongoing duel between Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting as ''interesting to watch'', Mr Kasprowicz pointed out that both India and Australia had their own little advantages going into encounter mode from October.

The Aussies will come down to India for a seven-match ODI series and the Indians will follow it up with a full tour of Down Under early next year.

''If you look at how the two teams performed, you will see while Australia have the experience of winning consistently over a long period of time, the conditions in India are always going to be tough. I figured this out in my tours to India in 1998 and 2001,'' he signed off.

UNI