Pace, not spin, will be Aussie trumpcard in India

HYDERABAD (AFP) - Banish the thought that Australia's untested spin attack would hand India a major advantage ahead of the highly-anticipated Test series starting next week.

Contrary to popular belief, it's pace, rather than spin, that has clinched wins for touring teams in India in recent years on dry, dusty wickets that are supposed to favour slow bowlers.

The retirements of the legendary Shane Warne and fellow wrist spinner Stuart McGill in quick succession have left the world's number one side shorn of quality spin options.

Ricky Ponting's tourists will have to pick between two debutants, 36-year-old leg-spinner Bryce McGain and off-spinner Jason Krejza, 25, for the series opener in Bangalore from October 9.

Part-time left-armer Michael Clarke is the third spinning option, having grabbed an astonishing six wickets for nine runs on a vicious Wankhede stadium turner in Mumbai on Australia's last tour of India in 2004.

"Whether they can win is problematic, given the inexperience of this team in Indian conditions and the paucity of slow bowlers, post Warne," veteran Australian cricket writer Mike Coward told AFP.