Mishra can impress with bat too, says Prasanna

Mumbai: India's spin legend Erapalli Prasanna, who was the coach of the two emerging leg spin talent in recent times -- Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla -- at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), said Mishra had the potential to be an all-rounder and should attack more in Australia's second innings in the ongoing second Test match in Mohali.

"Mishra has lived up to my expectations with a five-wicket haul in his Test debut but I want him to attack more in the second innings if India have to take a 1-0 lead in the series. I don't want to take anything away from Mishra's performance, but I felt he was bowling too flat in the first innings.

"The Aussies could not read him, because they were playing him for the first time, but in the second innings it would be different and he will do much better if he can toss the ball and invite the batsmen to have a go at him. He also has the potential to be a very good all-rounder for the country because he is a committed batsman as well," Prasanna told Cricketnext.com on Monday.

"I had put Mishra on the fast track along with Piyush at the NCA as both had impressed me a lot. The only difference between the two is strangely in their batting. Mishra is a more committed batsman than Piyush and should do well with the bat as well. As far as his bowling is concerned, with 300 first class wickets under his belt, he has enough experience to adjust to the conditions and has a big heart. We will hear more about him in the near future," he added.

When asked to compare the two young leg-spinners, Prasanna said, that would be impossible as both were similar in style and temperament, which was good for the team's future.

"It is not right to compare the two as both are similar in style and temperament. Both have a big heart and if I am not mistaken Piyush too bagged five wickets in Australia's tour opener in Hyderabad while playing for Board President's XI and if he had been give a chance to bowl on this wicket he too would have done well. But unfortunately 19-year-old Piyush has been branded more as a One-Day bowler but he will do well in the longer version as well, as he has age on his side," Prasanna observed.

"The competition between the two youngsters will be good for the game after Anil Kumble retires. It's been a long time since two very talented leg spinners would be viewing for a spot in the Indian team which augurs well for the team. I won't be surprised if both of them bowl in tandem and torment the opposition batsmen in future," he added.