Ranchi, Aug 8 (IANS) Former skipper Sourav Ganguly has backed the Indian cricket team to bounce back in the ongoing Test series against England.

India have lost the first two Tests in the four-match series. The third Test will begin at Edgbaston Wednesday.

"Of course, I expect India to bounce back. There are still two more Test matches and for India to come back and draw the series 2-2 would be great," said Ganguly, who was here at a promotional event Sunday.

Ganguly said it would be difficult for India without Zaheer Khan, who has been ruled out of the series with hamstring and ankle injury.

"It is a big challenge for the team. India have lost Zaheer Khan who will out of action for a long time. But at the same time, it is an opportunity for some of the other players to stand up and deliver."

Ganguly also praised captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"Dhoni is a very good captain. The job of leading the Indian cricket team is very tough. When a captain leads his team to a victory, people praise him but the same captain is hauled up when the team performs badly. Dhoni should be given more space," he said.