Series against Windies will help India pick the right combination for the Australia series, says former Pakistan captain.

By Soubhik Ray

Wasim Akram believes the West Indies bowlers would find it extremely difficult to dismiss India twice at home in the Test matches. Speaking exclusively to Mobile ESPN from Karachi on Friday evening, the Sultan of Swing said, "West Indies have won against Bangladesh, but the serious challenge starts now against the big boys."

The 45-year old stressed on the need for this series to be used as a launch-pad for the all-important tour to Australia in December. "India can use this series to come up with the right combination and balance. This tour will help them regain the lost confidence after the thrashing in England. The team can possibly blood in new players who could be used Down Under", said Akram.

Harbhajan Singh's omission from the side has been received with contrasting emotions from the Indian cricketing fraternity. However, Akram sees no reason why the 'Turbanator' has been left out of the side for the first Test against West Indies.

"I can't understand why Harbhajan is out. Players should be picked in the squad, keeping long-term plans in mind and Bhajji certainly fits the bill. He has been dropped after just one bad series in England, which I think is unfair because he is only 31", added Akram.

"Ashwin and Ojha are good no doubt, but they should be used to complement Harbhajan. Given his vast experience, India can't do without Bhajji's class," quipped Akram.

While the top five of the Indian batting line-up look solid, the number six spot has been up for grabs in recent times. Akram felt the team could do with the healthy competition. "(Virat) Kohli and (Suresh) Raina are talented, but they need to learn to play the longer format. If Yuvraj is fully fit, he walks in at number six", observed Akram.

Speaking on the composition of the visitors, Akram felt Chris Gayle's dropping would prove to be very costly for the visitors. "There is clearly a communication gap and a clash of egos between both parties. It should be solved for the good and Gayle should give priority to his country. West Indies is certainly bigger than Chris Gayle," he signed off.