Buchanan for co-existence of fresh, experienced

Celebrated coach John Buchanan feels combination of fresh legs and old warhorses is needed for a team's success.

The BCCI bosses and cricketing pundits may be singing paeans to youth after the M S Dhoni-led side’s thumping win against Australia in the tri-series, but celebrated coach John Buchanan is certain that a combination of fresh legs and old warhorses is needed for a team’s success on the cricket field.

The Aussie felt that the co-existence of seniors and juniors raises the competitive ability of a team as both try to outdo each other.

“Experience leads to knowledge that can’t be expected in young players. Youth challenges experience and knowledge. And experience challenges youth through knowledge. This mutual challenge raises the standard of a team,” said Buchanan, who guided Australia to two World Cup triumphs.

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Buchanan was not yet willing to draw a comparison between Dhoni’s team and the Indians sides he had battled as Aussie coach in 2001 and 2004.

“I’m not really sure that the present team is better. I need to watch them in action for the next three or four years. See how they perform. How they assert themselves. Then only can I judge. One tri-series win does not mean anything,” Buchanan, who turns 56 next month, said in an interview.