Experienced pacer's absence will be felt: Ganguly

India skipper Sourav Ganguly says India will have to do with an inexperienced pace attack, shorn of the services of veteran Javagal Srinath, during their England tour, beginning on June 18.

"That we now have an inexperienced pace attack is a reality. Of all the quicks, only Ajit Agarkar has experience of conditions in England," Ganguly told news persons in Kolkata on Sunday.

Agarkar was in the Indian side for the 1999 World Cup, which was held in England. Pacers Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan and Tinu Yohannan, named in both the one-day and Test squads for the upcoming 83-day tour, are on their maiden voyage to England.

India kick-off the tour with a triangular one-day series, from June 27 to July 13, involving Sri Lanka and England, before playing a four-Test series against the hosts.

Ganguly reiterated the tour would not be easy. "It's going to be tough... England's home advantage is bound to be significant and, clearly, our task is cut out," the elegant left-hander said.

Ganguly, who had earlier said he would try to persuade Srinath to change his decision to retire from Test cricket, confirmed that he had spoken to the lanky Karnataka player on the issue.

"I could only ask Srinath to have a rethink... However, he ruled out the possibility, insisting he just didn't wish to play Tests. Since it is his personal decision, I obviously couldn't press beyond a point," he added.

Ganguly parried a question on whether there could still be a one-day role for Srinath in future.

"At this point, I can't make a definite comment... Let's see how things unfold," he said.

He insisted all is well between him and Srinath, saying: "I certainly didn't have a problem with our most experienced fast bowler."

Mail Cricket Editor