The Hindu : Sport : We have a few hard selection decisions to make

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 20, 2004

Sport

Sport

We have a few hard selection decisions to make

The good news that I had been waiting for came to me late on Thursday evening. It was a huge relief to know that I have been cleared to play the Kanpur Test. When I arrived in Kanpur, I was not sure whether I would be allowed to play the game. The ICC's clearance has removed all doubts and I feel more settled in my mind to lead out the team on Saturday.

That the clearance came 36 hours before the match will help enormously. A last-minute decision on the captaincy is not fair on the team members. At least now they know who will be the man in charge in the first Test.

ICC's decision gives me hope that my appeal will bear fruit and hopefully I will be able to carry on. My appeal is genuine and I am sure the points I have made therein will be given due consideration by the appeals commissioner Tim Castle. I am looking forward to the teleconference with him on November 25 when I will be able to explain to him personally how the match against Pakistan had unfolded at the Eden Gardens on Saturday last.

It is an important series for my team and me. We need to start well for there are only two matches to be played. The South Africans are a relatively young side with lots of new faces.

They will be highly competitive though as this is the kind of tour on which youngsters compete with each other to make an impression on the team management in order to settle down in the side.

Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock are the men to watch out for. They are no strangers to the Indian team or fans. It's their vast experience and unquestionable ability that makes them formidable foes on the pitch.

Boucher's absence

I must say, I was surprised to see one name missing from the South African roster and that was of Mark Boucher. The chirpy little wicket-keeper is a handy man to have in the side. He is not only a good player of spin, but he can bat at any position and is a competent guy with the big gloves.

The Green Park wicket has been re-laid, so it will be different from the ones we are used to playing in this part of the country. However, I don't think it will offer much bounce and it will turn for sure as the match progresses.

Bigger issue

We have a few hard decisions to make while selecting the playing XI. It's Mohammad Kaif's home ground and he has played well against the Aussies, but the bigger issue is whether to go in with two or three spinners.

Murali Kartik was the Man of the Match in the Mumbai Test, so it would be tough to leave him out.

However, that is a happy situation for a captain and the team management when players are competing for places in the side and only the best XI will take the field.

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