Former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh says India's pace bowling attack needs to have more depth and versatility to succeed in next year's World Cup.
"What is lacking with the Indian attack is a little bit of depth and versatility. You need to have fire in your attack in the West Indies, especially with the tracks we have there," Walsh said in Mumbai on Friday.
Walsh, who is Ambassador at Large, Jamaica, arrived in India for a week-long tour of the country with delegates of the Jamaica Tourist Board to promote the destination and 2007 World Cup.
"I think India needs someone with a little bit of pace and someone who can swing the ball, like in the Javagal Srinath mould. In the Caribbean you need someone who can take wickets early," he added.
Walsh, who was the first bowler to break the 500-wickets barrier in Test cricket, said Irfan Pathan's poor showing in recent months could be attributed to his confidence.
"I think his confidence is down. I think sometimes you are not match-fit, as you want to be. But I am sure once he gets into the right mode, he will regain that confidence," the 44-year-old said.
Walsh took a record 519 wickets in Tests and 227 in one-dayers. He also played first class cricket for Jamaica and English county side Gloucestershire, claiming nearly 1800 first class wickets.
He said that the injury problems faced by the current crop of fast bowlers is due to the amount of cricket being played.
"I think presently a lot of cricket is being played, so there are more chances of getting injured. So what one needs to do is to look after yourself and train hard, make sure you stretch properly. One important thing is to make sure you look after the basics," said Walsh.
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