Jadeja lauds selectors8217; decision

MUMBAI, May 22: The National selectors' decision to try out the fringe players for the ongoing Coca Cola Cup triangular series featuring Ind...

MUMBAI, May 22: The National selectors8217; decision to try out the fringe players for the ongoing Coca Cola Cup triangular series featuring India, Bangaldesh and Kenya has drawn plaudits from the Indian cricket coach Anshuman Gaekwad and stand-in skipper Ajay Jadeja.

Speaking to newsmen after the team underwent a training session at the Wankhede Stadium this evening, former Test opener Gaekwad felt that the tri-series has offered good opportunity for players who otherwise would have had to wait for some more time to play in One-Day Internationals.

quot;Basically, more boys are getting a chance to play with seniors. It helps them in gaining experience at the international level,quot; he opined. Jadeja, deputising for Mohammad Azharuddin at Bangalore and in the tie against Bangladesh slated to be held here Monday, said: quot;The selectors are thinking of the future, say a year ahead, and are giving chances to four or five new players in each match. It is a good thing.quot;

quot;All the seniors have got only two games at theleague phase and I have got an extra game because of Azhar8217;s absence. It is a great opportunity for the new players to know that the system is looking after them,quot; he added.

Gaekwad showered praises on Karnataka batsman Rahul Dravid for putting in quot;extra effortsquot; to improvise his batting. quot;He is doing well and is improving in strike rate. He is making extra efforts to be more positive as you might have seen during his stint at the nets here,quot; Gaekwad observed.

Gaekwad pointed out that the 25-year-old Dravid, who had fallen out of favour with the selectors, who felt he was not scoring quickly enough, had impressed during his knock of 49 at Bangalore. quot;We are trying him at number three in Azharuddin8217;s absence. He batted well in the last game at Bangalore against Kenya,quot; he added.

Judging the nature of the opposition, the Indian team on its part has been setting out achieving certain goals during this event, as revealed by Jadeja. quot;Our aim has been to chase whatever target the opposition sets and attainit within 45 overs,quot; disclosed the flamboyant Haryana all-rounder.

Story continues below this ad

The Indians have been fairly successful, if the results of the last two matches are an indication.