Pacers under injury cloud, not looking good for India: McGrath

McGrath said the touists would struggle if Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma don't last the entire series, quite a challenge for them given their injury-marred past record.

"Zaheer Khan was a big loss for them in England and he's obviously their main bowler. And Sharma bowled well out there last time they were out here so he'll be looking to find a bit of form," McGrath was quoted as saying by 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.

"But with both those guys under injury clouds it's not looking good. To go into a Test match without both those guys (at full fitness) it's going to weaken their bowling line-up a lot," he added.

But McGrath conceded that the visiotrs have a formidable batting line-up in place.
"They've got an awesome batting line-up, that's definitely their strength," McGrath said.

"They lack a little bit in the bowling. They're going to have to bowl well to compete with us. It will be interesting to see how they go out here. I saw them play England earlier this year and it was a fairly one-sided contest," McGrath added.

The 41-year-old Aussie legend singled out Sachin Tendulkar for praise, saying the batting icon has been just remarkable to have carried on for over two decades.

"He's obviously very technically correct, very mentally strong and just a quality player," said McGrath.

"On the wickets over here that bounce a little bit more and probably do a bit more off the seam I always looked to get him out caught behind or caught in the slips. But once he's in, he's a tough guy to bowl to.

"To think that Sachin is still playing...he's a class cricketer, there's no doubt about that. As much as I'd hate to see him get his 100th hundred here it would be something pretty special. He deserves to get there," he added.