Buchanan backs 'resurgent' India to win series

John Buchanan, the former Australia coach, believes India are favourites to beat New Zealand in the upcoming series. Buchanan, in Christchurch with the England Lions for their contest with New Zealand A, felt the home side were inexperienced and in a transitional stage.

"This will be a little bit of an indication [of how good India are], how they play in New Zealand. I am expecting them to do well," Buchanan said. "India is on a resurgence, there is no doubt about that. So it will be interesting to track India's performance."

"New Zealand are presently a young side, obviously with [Daniel] Vettori the mainstay. They have a few experienced players, but not the depth. They are very reliant on the group that they have got. They have a new coach and a new support staff. They are in a bit of transitional phase."

India have not had much success in New Zealand, many feel, because of the tough conditions but Buchanan said it was about adjusting to the pace and bounce of the local pitches. "The ball just doesn't come on to the bat. Generally there is a bit of swing and generally there is grass on the wicket, so your top-order batsmen need to make that adjustment. After that it pretty good for batting."

Similar to what happened with Australia, India have key seniors nearing their retirements. Buchanan felt the transition was working out in a better manner for India as opposed to Australia, whose entire senior pack went in pretty quick time. "In the Indian side they have a wealth of experience. [Virender] Sehwag and [Gautam] Gambhir are well and truly settled. [Sachin] Tendulkar is still there, [Mahendra Singh] Dhoni has been around for long. There is Zaheer [Khan] and Harbhajan [Singh]," he said. "They have the strength of players there who can help the newer guys, the Sharmas and Rainas, really settle in that pack. It all is going very smooth for India."

Buchanan, who enjoyed success in three out of four Ashes series from 2001 to 2006-07, didn't feel Australia were one of the pack just yet. "Let's play it out over a period of time. Obviously South Africa and India will get a little more of a feel, but I still think Australia will be in the top three for a long time to come," he said. "I think No's 1, 2 and 3 are not defined by one year or one series. It's defined by a minimum of five years, when you have played most of the opposition in most of the conditions, both home and away."