Kumble's absence will affect the team's performance, says Wright

The absence of leg spinner Anil Kumble will "affect a lot" the performamnce of the Indian team in the home series against Australia, coach John Wright said on Tuesday.

Asked how far Kumble's absence would affect the team's performance, Wright said: "They (the Australians) are obviously in good form. India has a great record (against the Australians) but in the present day they will be a formidable opposition."

The New Zealander felt "catching will be critical'.

"We have to work and fight very hard; it depends on how well we take catches," he said.

Wright was speaking informally to mediapersons after the launch of e-CricketPro, a software tool developed by Phoenix Global Solutions in Bangalore.

BCCI secretary Jayawant Lele rated India's chances against the Australians as very bright. "We should do well. On Indian wickets, I don't think we should panic at all," he said.

The BCCI had on Monday announced the list of 25 probables for the conditioning camp to be held at Madras next month prior to the home series against Australia.

Mail Cricket Editor