Pace bowling needs improvement: Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly said that the Indian fast bowling has a lot of catching up to do before the World Cup and the former India captain put the onus on bowling coach Eric Simmons to motivate the youngsters in the absence of the experienced Zaheer Khan.

The Indian pacers lacked penetration especially in the first Test against Sri Lanka, which led coach Gary Kirsten to admit that finding the ideal fast bowling unit for the World Cup was proving to be a challenge.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event , Ganguly said, "It is the duty of the bowling coach to bring the best out of the young Indian pace battery."

"Yes, the bowling needs to improve. It's the job of the bowling coach to keep the bowlers motivated, they need to be shown the way. I am sure they will improve with time," he said.

An ankle injury has ruled Ishant Sharma out of the first ODI of the tri-series that follows the Test matches, while a shoulder injury has forced Zaheer out of the tour before the start of the first Test as India have been grappling with a lot of problems in the pace department.

Ganguly however said their batting is world class and they are the favourites in the ongoing Tri-series involving Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

"India are the certain favourites. We are quite a good one-day side. I am sure they will make it to the final."

"We are a great batting side in the world cricket at the moment with cricketers like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and most importantly Virender Sehwag. He can destroy any attack on a given day," Ganguly said about the Test batting line-up.

The 38-year-old further said Suresh Raina is nicely shaping up in the Test mold of things and is fitting into the slot left vacant after he called it quits.

"Raina has played well in the Test series. I hope he will cement his place," Ganguly replied when asked whether Raina is fitting into the slot left vacant by him.

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