Mallett feels spin is the key to success in India

Melbourne, Sep 23 (PTI) 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.