Kumble a bowler with outstanding intuition: Waugh

“Having played against him many times, I knew never to underestimate Anil Kumble – even though you would never lose any sleep stressing over how to combat his bowling out in the middle,” Waugh wrote in his column for daily Herald Sun.

“His methods are subtle and often most effective when you think you have him under control. He possesses outstanding intuition, which enables him to sense complacency or uneasiness from a batsman, and in turn he cleverly mixes up his deliveries and angles at the crease,” Waugh said.

Analysing his old adversary’s performance, the Aussie great said the spinner exhibited great artistry while scalping Phil Jaques and Mike Hussey on Wednesday.

“He tempted Jaques with a flighted delivery that was a well-concealed wrong ‘un, while Mike Hussey departed to a quicker, flatter wrong ‘un that beat him for pace. Both were clever pieces of artistry from a street-fighter, who for many years has been the benchmark in mental toughness in Indian cricket.”

Waugh felt that this series would be demanding on Kumble as he would play a double role of captain and strike bowler against tough opponents like Australia.

“Being the captain this tour will provide him greatest challenge, as his focus will have to be shared and not channelled,” he said.