The Hindu : Sport : Bond's presence will make the difference

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 04, 2005

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Bond's presence will make the difference

STEPHEN FLEMING

In my last article I had mentioned that we would be using our last game against India to sort out our batting problems ahead of the final. While we did lose the game, the positive is that that aspect of the game was looked after since we did manage to put up a good score for India to chase. Full marks to India and Mohammed Kaif in particular for playing one of his best knocks.

That said, I was not too happy with the way we bowled at the top of the Indian innings, but I think that area will look up once we have Shane Bond back in the side. Unless you get used to facing him, you're going to be anxious about it. Every side has a couple of key bowlers, and there is no shame in admitting that Shane and Dan Vettori are crucial to ours. After all, even a team of the calibre of Australia miss Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

Some sides miss their main batsman as well. For instance, India look a lot different without Sachin Tendulkar. As opposition captain, I am not really missing him, but when he is around there is always a chance that he will dominate the game. Having said that it is good to see players like Kaif and Virender Sehwag assume responsibility in the absence of the maestro. Both these guys seem in good touch and we will have to have good plans in place if we are to keep them quiet in the finals.

While I think Shane and Dan will benefit from the break we gave them, it's sad for us that Chris Cairns is out of the tournament. He is working hard on his fitness, but must find a way of staying fit right through the season. We have a packed schedule for our summer, and I think that it will be better for him to take time off now in order to be fit for the coming months.

India will have gained some confidence from a successful run chase. However, if they are honest to themselves, they will know that the absence of Shane did make their job easier. Besides, the wicket on which we played was less seamer-friendly than any that I have seen at the Harare Sports Club, and I have a feeling that that will change for Tuesday's final.

I expect India to field a few reserves in tomorrow's game against Zimbabwe. The hosts were quite impressive against us, and they will try their best to end their campaign in the Videocon Cup tri-series on a positive note.

(Gameplan)

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