Indian coach making Wright kind of noises

Wright believes team spirit would help India achieve good results abroad consistenly. “I think the big question for us is to play good cricket like a team. That for us is the focus.”

“I think the belief is a big factor. Believe in ourselves and I think it is a great opportunity. The biggest challenge for us of course is to do well on this tour,” the coach said.

Wright also said the team would be helped by the fact the series is five-Test long. “Also, in the conditions here we would feel more comfortable as they are more akin to one back home rather than the one we face in countries such as South Africa, New Zealand or Australia.”

The coach, who wants to get the team in shape before the first Test on April 11, has ordered two practice sessions from tomorrow.

“In one session, some boys might miss out on specific, sustained training but this issue can be handled if two sessions are held in a day and thus due attention is given to each individual,” Wright said.

The new trainer of the team, Adrian le Roux also had his first day with the team.

Roux’s opening session was an enjoyable spell for the boys as initially a tennis ball was passed around by the players first with the right hand, then left and finally with both hands.

The ball passing, with cricketers forming a canal sort of formation and constantly moving was to sharpen the focus on the ball and to help build a team spirit. “That is one area we are concentrating upon,” said Wright “And it is to forge a good team unit on and off the field.”

Wright also hinted at Deep Dasgupta continuing in the twin-role of opener and wicketkeeper at least in the first Test. “He is averaging 37 in Test cricket as an opener and that’s not an insignificant number,” the coach said.

He also felt Dasgupta could improve as a wicketkeeper and gave him a sustained catching practice.

(PTI)