The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : `I don't see any reason why I will not do well'

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Friday, Dec 01, 2006
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`I don't see any reason why I will not do well'

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: After being out of Team India for more than nine months, former captain, Sourav Ganguly, was named in the 16-member squad to play in the Test series against South Africa beginning in mid-December. "I am happy to be back in the Indian team,'' an elated Ganguly told mediapersons at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday.

"I'll go to South Africa and do well,'' he said. "I have done well on the bouncy tracks in Australia against quick bowling. I don't see any reason why I will not do well in South Africa. I have got back my place and I will try to excel. I have done well for 10 years in international cricket,'' he observed.

Challenge

He said every series was a challenge in itself and he would prefer to take one series at a time.

On tackling the fast bowling of the home side that has been wrecking the Indian team in the ongoing ODI series, Ganguly said, "I have played their fast bowlers before. Shots square of the wicket will be useful on South African pitches.''

When asked, Ganguly pointed out that his past record and experience of playing in South Africa clinched him a place in the team. To a question as to how well he would be able to acclimatise before the first Test, he said, "Ten to 12 days are a lot of time to get oneself acclimatised. Also there is a three-day game before the Test series.''

He felt everybody needed time as to settle down in new surroundings. "If time is given, the players can come good for the benefit of the team,'' and added that he would try his utmost to serve the team well. When asked what was going wrong in India's ODI campaign, Ganguly said he was too far away to say much on the team's performance.

Meanwhile, Ganguly, who looked very keen to play the ensuing Ranji Trophy Elite group league match against Mumbai beginning on Friday, had to give the game a miss because he was asked to be present at Mumbai on Sunday night. He along with other selected players would leave for South Africa on Monday morning, according to Cricket Association of Bengal joint secretary, Saradindu Pal.

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