The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Captains praise Mohali wicket

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 08, 2005

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Sport - Cricket

Captains praise Mohali wicket

By Our Special Correspondent

MOHALI, MARCH 7. Sourav Ganguly captured the spirit of the upcoming India-Pakistan matches when he observed, "It is more than just a series. It definitely helps in building bridges of peace."

The Indian captain and his Pakistani counterpart Inzamam-ul-Haq unveiled the TVS Cup, and then shared their thoughts with the media ahead of the first Test.

Ganguly said his side would play "good, hard cricket on the field and seek to win." Cautioning against complacency, he added, "India will have to play to its potential against a young and eager Pakistan side."

Given the history, the emotional appeal and the worldwide following, he called the India-Pakistan series "bigger than the Ashes".

He admitted to feeling some pressure but said Pakistan's dominance over

India in the ODIs from the Asia Cup last year would have little bearing on the Test series.

He remained non-committal on the composition of the Indian attack and his one word answer to a question on the pitch for the first Test was "good".

Inzy's hopes

Inzamam too called the Mohali pitch a "good Test wicket". While he expected the pitch to help the pacemen, the Pakistan skipper said there would also be a chance for the batsmen to score runs.

He reiterated that there was "no revenge in sports", but said his team could spring a surprise. "We are not the favourites, India has the edge in experience, but my team is capable of winning the Test series."

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria would be in Pakistan's scheme of things, said Inzamam. "In the last two years, he has been the most successful bowler for Pakistan in Tests. After the first day, the pitch should help the spinners."

Inzamam said he had made a good recovery from the back injury. He was aware of the need for him to deliver with the willow. "There are only three or four experienced players in the team. There is pressure. But pressure brings responsibility. We are aware of the need to contribute."

On coach Bob Woolmer, he said, "He is friendly with the players, spends a lot of time with us in the nets, and is trying new things. I feel he should be given more time to work with the team." Inzamam was firm that paceman Shoaib Akhtar's absence would not weaken the attack.

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