Spin bowling and its "dynamic" batting line-up will be key to India's success in the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, while a top-two finish is highly unlikely for struggling Australia, feels former Oz leg-spinner Stuart MacGill.
MacGill, who is in Delhi with close friend and Australia hockey captain Jamie Dwyer for the naming of the Hockey India League (HIL) ambassadors and logo unveiling, handpicked the West Indies as the team to watch out for in the tournament which begins in Colombo on Tuesday.
"India's batting is incredibly dynamic, but if India desire to win (the World Twenty20), it has to be on the back of its spin department.
"Harbhajan Singh was disappointing in the second warm-up game but he can play a key role in the slow and turning Sri Lankan pitches," MacGill said on the sidelines of the Hockey India function.
Asked about Australia's chances in the World Twenty20, the former Aussie leg-spinner said, "I am not expecting to see Australia in the final. They are not as good as other countries. If Australia make it to top four, they should think they have done enough.
"But West Indies is a dangerous side. They are always there, they have got some dynamic players. Don't be surprised if the West Indies shake a few people up," MacGill said.
MacGill also lauded Hockey India for launching the Hockey India League, and hopes to accompany his friend Dwyer to watch a few matches of the event, starting January 2013.
"I am a big fan of hockey. I played and followed hockey since childhood. The HIL is a great initiative. It is a very respectful and reasonable opportunity for hockey players to earn some money," he said.
"When I was growing up, India was a powerhouse in hockey. India made big contribution to the game in the past. I feel HIL will rejuvenate the game in India," the former cricketer added.
