Whitney all for ICL

Michael Whitney was a left-arm fast bowler of repute, playing with famous Aussie bowlers like Craig McDermott...

Michael Whitney was a left-arm fast bowler of repute, playing with famous Aussie bowlers like Craig McDermott, Bruce Reid and Merv Hughes. And after his retirement in 1993, he has taken to adventure sport in a big way, and also hosts the television show 8216;Who Dares Wins8217;. And now, responding to an invite from former teammate Dean Jones, he is in the commentators box for the Indian Cricket League matches here.

Excerpts from an interview:

8226; You have been doing ODI cricket commentary for a while now. How does it feel in Twenty20 cricket?

Am enjoying every bit of it. Twenty20 is really exciting and interesting. We have already seen so much action in the ICL games. Although, it is a shorter version, it has generated more interest among the spectators. Because Twenty20 games are action packed, doing commentary becomes more exciting. And it becomes more electrifying when spectators get involved with you.

8226; Do you think the ICL will be a success?

Definitely. Though this is the first time it is being held, it is very healthy for the promotion of cricket 8212; especially for youngsters who can rub shoulders with internationally acclaimed cricketers. It was Dean Jones who told me about ICL and it was he who asked me to be part of the commentary team. Naturally, I was inclined towards this new concept.

8226; Talking about the forthcoming India-Australia series, how do you think India will perform on the bouncier tracks Down Under?

India have some great players in Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan. The Australian bowling department would miss the services of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Stuart McGill. So, young players like Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson and Brad Hogg need to bowl with a certain plan to the Indians who have a strong batting line-up. I feel it will Brett Lee who will make a difference this time.