"The 1990 Old Trafford Test was Kumble's first, and Sachin also scored his first Test hundred in that Test. Kumble has been a brilliant servant to Indian cricket over the years and 550-odd Test wickets proves that. What I like of him is his desire to take wickets, and he is still a vital part," Gooch said.
"Anil is a different type of bowler, he bowls leg-spin a little faster, he is tall and gets the ball to bounce. For him, bat-pad positions like silly-point are vital. He is not a big turner of the ball like the conventional leg-spinners, but his record stands the test of time and he has got a great role to play in these type of pitches as well. In Oval, where the ball spins a bit and bounces, he may have a greater role," he explained.
Gooch also said the battle between England's left-arm spinner Monty Panesar and the Indian batsmen will have a bearing on the outcome of the series.
"Monty has been the most consistent bowler for England and the most successful too in the last 18 years. He has very good control and he spins the ball as well. He’s got all the attributes of a class spinner. But one thing probably not tested is how he squares up against great players. This will be a test of his class and if I were the Indian batting coach, I would take the attack a little more to him and put the pressure back to him. It might be a fascinating little contest, between a good spinner and the kind of batsmen who are experienced in playing this sort of bowling," he said.
‘Lot to offer’
The superb 171 Tendulkar scored on Saturday against England Lions made 'Zapata' believe that the Mumbaikar still had a lot to offer.
"Sachin has been a major stumbling block for 18 years, hasn't he, for everyone with a ball in his hand. I watched him closely yesterday, and it looked as if he was back to his best. His balance and timing was there and he had a lot of intent. When he came in to bat, it was a tricky situation at two for two, and he counter-attacked. He made a little statement yesterday and entertained the crowd as well. I am sure the cricket-loving English public are waiting to see him."
Gooch could not stop praising Tendulkar. "He still has got all the attributes to score runs and he plays all the shots. He stands beautifully and watches the ball well. I did not see anything to suggest that his powers are on the decline.”
On the Test series, Gooch said, "India have some quality players in their line-up. Their middle-order is experienced in these conditions. They have got a wonderful record and one or two of them, if they are coming to England for the last time, will want to make it memorable.
“The big challenge will be how England’s bowlers will be able to cope with that experienced batting line-up."