Australia's Marsh to plot India's strategy

Former Australian Test star Geoff Marsh will fine tune India's preparations for the upcoming home series against Steve Waugh's world-beating Australians.

Marsh, who has been roped in as consultant by India's cricket authorites, said on Wednesday he will assist national coach John Wright during the team's conditioning camp.

Australia are due to tour India for three Tests and five one-day internationals early next year, hoping to add the only remaining scalp during their record-breaking run.

Australia, who have not won in India since 1969, lost the Test series 2-1 when Mark Taylor's team toured here two years ago.

Marsh knows the current Australian team well, having been their coach till 1999 when he made way for John Buchanan.

"Right now I am gathering information about domestic cricket in India and I would be assisting John (Wright) during the conditioning camp prior to the Australian series as well", Marsh said.

"My immediate plan is to watch some more junior cricket and submit a report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India on December 22 before I go home for Christmas.

"However, I will be back here to assist the Indian coach and prepare the hosts for the big Test against the formidable Aussies," he said.

Marsh recently resigned as Australian selector to take up his assignment in India. He had earlier been approached to become the coach, but declined the offer citing personal commitments.

Mail Cricket Editor