Latif endorses Tendulkar's comments over Indo-Pak rivalry

Lahore, Sep 20 (UNI) Former captain Rashid Latif has blamed his country's constantly deteriorating bowling attack, which has resulted in the traditional India-Pakistan rivalry being taken over by India-Australia in the last decade.

''The last few Test series between the two countries (India and Pakistan) have been lame and without that fizz and edge.

Basically because we don't have a bowling attack capable of running through sides or making top players like Tendulkar enjoy the competition,'' Rashid said.

Earlier this week, star batsman Sachin Tendulkar had also asserted that the India-Pakistan matches do not produce the same level of excitement that the matches with Australia have.

Latif, who has plaed 37 Tests, ''Australia still has a quality bowling attack and I can understand the Indian players enjoying themselves against them because they have done well against the world champions and that must give them lot of pride.'' ''Add to the fact that there have been so many controversies between India and Australia and obviously their series is now the contest to watch out for not Indo-Pak as used to be the case in the past,'' Rashid stated.

The former wicketkeeper further added that the absence of all-rounder Andrew Symonds will hurt the Australians against a strong Indian side.

''Symonds had a psychological edge over the Indians with his recent performances specially in India, so his absence is a big advantage for India,'' he insisted.

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