Rameez impressed with quality of cricket in Ind-Aus series

Pakistan's former Test captain Rameez Raja has said the ongoing one-day series between India and Australia has produced quality cricket and would be of great help to the team from Down Under during the Ashes this year.

"People had said that Australia should not have played this series before the Ashes but I think it is going to help them and raise their confidence for the Ashes," Rameez said on Geo Super channel on Sunday.

He said the three matches of the series so far had produced some very exciting big-scoring games without sacrificing the quality of cricket. Australia will take on England in the Ashes in December.

"We have seen some quality batting and bowling but I think India's bowling is struggling a bit in the series," he said.

Rameez said he was surprised when India didn't make any changes after Australia scored 360 in the second match.

"Some of the Indian bowlers are struggling for form and that is allowing Australia to get big scores."

The former captain, who is now a now commentator, also said that Pakistan's recent Test win over South Africa had become essential after they lost a Test to Zimbabwe last month.

"It is good to see Pakistan bouncing back strongly after the loss to Zimbabwe but they will have to play even better to win the series with one Test remaining," he added.

Rameez also dispelled the impression that being well educated helped in captaining a side. He was asked whether Misbah-ul-Haq being an MBA had helped him manage the side better.

"It is not necessary for one to be educated to be a good captain. Cricket is an art and one needs to be good in this to be successful. Being educated does help but I believe that what is important is that one should understand the game," he opined.