Doull wants India to play full-series in New Zealand

New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) Former Kiwi fast bowler Simon Doull hopes that India will play a full series in New Zealand where they are scheduled to tour early next year.

Doull's comments came in the wake of reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants to trim the away series to accommodate the Asia Cup.

"I heard about that. It doesn't sound good. I hope they stick to the decided schedule. I would want to see India playing a full-fledged Test series," Doull, who is commentating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), told IANS Friday.

India are currently slated to play three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a T20 International. They won a historic series last time around when they toured New Zealand in 2008-09.

Asked whether India's focus of late has been on the shorter formats, Doull said: "I would like to disagree. I think the focus is very much there on Tests. Else they would not have been able to whitewash Australia."

Among the upcoming Indian quickies, the 43-year-old former speedster is impressed most by Rajasthan Royals' Rahul Shukla.

"I see some good talent developing here. In this IPL edition, I really like the young Shukla. He can play for India provided he is groomed right."

Commenting on IPL's impact on Indian cricket, he said: "Whoever feels IPL is not good for India has a rock in his head. It is great platform for the young Indians playing against and alongside the best in the business."