FAISALABAD, Jan 30: Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson on Wednesday said India’s performance against Australia was an inspiration for world cricket, strengthening belief that world champions are beatable.

India, despite losing the series 2-1 earlier this week, pushed Australia hard and became the first side to win a Test Down Under for four years.

“India’s performance is an inspiration for the whole cricket world and other teams will have it in their mind that Australia are beatable when they play them,” Lawson said.

“Australia are still the world number one team but to get beaten at Perth, of all the places, shows that other teams can also beat them and I think India has shown the way.”

Lawson’s team face Australia – subject to security clearance – in Pakistan in March-April. Australia are scheduled to play three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 match.

The 50-year-old Australian former paceman said he believed his team too have a chance against the world champions.

“We pushed India hard despite injuries and illness,” said Lawson of Pakistan’s tour across the border last month, where they lost the three-Test series 1-0 and one-day series 3-2.

“When we can push India hard despite problems, we can also challenge the best team in the world if we play to our potential,” said Lawson, who played 46 Tests for Australia in the 1980s.

However, he dismissed claims that Australia were struggling to take 20 wickets in a Test in the absence of champion leg-spinner Shane Warne and fast bowler Glenn McGrath — who both retired last year.

“It was a great series and the Australian bowling was up against a formidable Indian batting, but I disagree that Australia do not have bowlers to take 20 wickets, they still are a formidable side,” he asserted.

Lawson believed that Australia would miss Adam Gilchrist, who is to retire from international cricket after next month’s tri-series at home.

“Gilly is arguably the best batsman wicket-keeper to have ever played the game and Australia will surely miss him, but his replacement Brad Haddin is a batsman in his own right and an outstanding wicket-keeper,” he stated.

“Australia will not lose much in replacements — that is the strength of the Australian cricket, that someone like Gilchrist is leaving and his replacement is as good and ready.”

Lawson said he hoped his team would overcome their shortcomings to be ready to face the Australian challenge.

“We have five weeks to prepare and have got some work to do and this period will be crucial. We have tried a few youngsters against Zimbabwe and hope that the team improves for the tough challenge,” he expressed.—AFP