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Journalism of Courage
Chennai, Aug 15: Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who was crowned the captain of Indian team once again, arrived here on Sunday along with coach Anshuman Gaekwad and two other players. Anshuman Gaekwad said that the team should forget about the World Cup performance and begin afresh. Though he insisted that the World Cup show was not as bad as it was portrayed, he felt that the team was unfortunate not to enter the semifinal.
However, he said that there are certain shortcomings which have to be rectified. The stress will be on bowling and fielding but certain areas in the batting department, too, need fine tuning, he added. 8220;During the World Cup our batting clicked. But our fielding and bowling needs improvement,8221; he added. He praised Tendulkar and exuded confidence in his leadership skills.
In reply to a question whether the team would miss Nayan Mongia, he said that nobody is indispensable. 8220;It8217;s a good chance for MSK Prasad, who should make the best use of this opportunity.8221;
Talking aboutstylish Vinod Kambli, who was sidelined for over a year due to a freak accident on the field, the coach said, 8220;he is a great batsman and a match-winner. His experience will benefit the team and along with Dravid and Saurav Ganguly will lend strength to the batting order.8221;
The southpaw and the other members are expected to arrive tomorrow morning. Amay Khurasia and Ashish Nehra, who was summoned by the board to bowl at nets also arrived here in the evening.
The team is scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka on Aug 20 to play the three-nation tournament from Aug 22 to 31.
Five rookies in England squad
LONDON: England have named uncapped trio Darren Maddy, Graeme Swann and Ed Giddins among five changes for the fourth and final Test against New Zealand, starting at The Oval on Thursday.
A lacklustre England performance in the drawn third Test at Old Trafford, following their nine-wicket defeat in the previous match at Lord8217;s, prompted the new-look squad of 13 announced today.
Four players who werein the side at Old Trafford have been dropped opener Mark Butcher, who was captain in the absence of the injured Nasser Hussain, Graeme Hick, wicketkeeper Chris Read and off-spinner Peter Such. The fifth omission from the third Test team is paceman Dean Headley, who was ruled out by a shoulder injury.
Hussain, who broke a finger while fielding at Lord8217;s, makes his comback in charge of a reshaped side for the deciding match with the series 1-1. In addition to the inclusion of the uncapped trio, England have recalled pace-bowling all-rounder Ronnie Irani, Hussain8217;s Essex teammate, whose only two Tests were in the 1996 home series against India.
The squad: Michael Atherton, Darren Maddy, Nasser Hussain captain, Graham Thorpe, Mark Ramprakash, Alec Stewart, Ronnie Irani, Graeme Swann, Andy Caddick, Phil Tufnell, Chris Silverwood, Ed Giddins, Alan Mullally.
