Mohali contest great for Test cricket: Akram

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram praised the quality of cricket played during India's thrilling win against Australia in Mohali and said Test matches like these keep alive the interest of the audience in the oldest form of the game.

"Test cricket is alive and kicking. Coming at the back of the Champions League T20, the Mohali Test had more excitement than the Chennai Super Kings-Warriors final. For those who have questioned the future of Test cricket, the Mohali match has been a great advertisement for the five-day game," Akram said.

"Australia looked good to win the Test at one stage. But I must say, the ninth-wicket 81-run stand between Ishant (Sharma) and (VVS) Laxman was decisive. India's grit and the ability to fight till the last were good signs. Players like Laxman, Dravid, Sachin and Zaheer only reinforce my view that there is no substitute for experience in Test cricket," Akram told a website.

The legendary pacer also offered some word of advice to young players like Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli and said they would only improve if they continuously experience the tenacity and perseverance of the senior batsmen.

"The hunger in the senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Zaheer Khan actually make India what they are today. The Rainas and the Kohlis, the Vijays and the Ojhas will only improve if they play more and more Test matches.

I must congratulate the Indian selectors in reposing faith on able senior players. And I am sure Dhoni must be excited to have them in the dressing room," he said.

Akram also questioned the validity of the two-match series between India and Australia and said the International Cricket Council must make it mandatory to have at least a three-Test series, if not a five-match contest.

"Unfortunately, a two-Test series between the top countries in the world is not enough. I feel a two-match series is unfair on the visiting side, more so if the team is Australia, England or New Zealand. I wonder how the Aussies agreed to this itinerary.

"It takes a while to digest the playing conditions and that's what happened to the Aussies. Before they could fathom the Mohali wicket and its vagaries, India had already swung it their way," he said.