The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Balaji bowled well: Wright

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Aug 29, 2004

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Sport - Cricket

Balaji bowled well: Wright

AMSTELVEEN, AUG 28. "The canals are full for sure," said Indian coach John Wright rather wryly and the words reflected an overwhelming sense of frustration in the Indian camp.

"It has not been easy on the boys. But you cannot change the weather," he told The Hindu. Rain denied the Indians, who went down to Pakistan in a truncated opening contest, a chance to bounce back in the tournament against the Aussies.

"We need to get some kind of batting rhythm going. The batsmen are short of practice and they need to have a hit. Hopefully we will get sunshine in Nottingham," said Wright even as the Indians left for England on Saturday.

Talking about the lone positive for India from the competition, Wright said, "I thought (Lakshmipathy) Balaji bowled extremely well. He had problems in Sri Lanka, during the Asia Cup, because his left arm was going across his body and he was not fully front on while delivering. His left arm is a lot straighter now and the body better balanced."

Wright said the youngsters in the side, including wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Kaarthick, were coming along well.

The Indian coach said a decision on batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar's fitness would be taken in England. Meanwhile, when asked by The Hindu about how he was recovering from his tennis elbow, Tendulkar, without committing himself, said he was feeling better.

The Indians will be involved in a three-match NatWest ODI series against England before participating in the star-studded Champion's Trophy — S. Dinakar

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