The Hindu : Sport : ‘Holiday mood’ worry for Gilchrist

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Tuesday, Oct 02, 2007
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Sport

‘Holiday mood’ worry for Gilchrist

Stan Rayan

KOCHI: Like naughty young boys, they had a boisterous game of water polo at the Taj Malabar on Monday afternoon. And with backwaters and speed boats nearby, the temptation to party all day was heavy.

“It’s a tricky situation. We’ve got to be careful not to switch off and get into a holiday mood,” said Australia’s acting captain Adam Gilchrist.

With the first One-Day International of the seven-match Future Cup against India in Bangalore being stopped midway and with a big rain threat over the second game, at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here on Tuesday, there is a worry of the players losing focus.

Frustrating

“No practice…it’s frustrating. But the situation is the same for both,” said the wicketkeeper. “Still, every game of every series is very crucial. And both the teams want to get that first win.”

Regarding the ground, he said, “the outfield is soggy, there are a few areas of concern. But they’re working very hard. Hopefully, if there is no more rain, there is a good chance of a game.”

Ponting, who missed the first game with a hamstring injury, has a good chance to play on Tuesday. “But we will assess the situation and decide tomorrow.”

Not unstable

Gilchrist, however, stressed that if Ponting does not make it on Tuesday, the Aussies will not be a weak side. “Anytime Ricky is not available, you lose your best batsman in the world. But with all due respect to Ricky, I don’t think we’re unstable without him.”

Regarding the wicket, he said that spin bowling might come into play more effectively than Bangalore.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not come for the pre-match media conference. Manager Lalchand Rajput, who came in his place, said the team had a light session at the gym.

“I’ve not seen the wicket, it was covered,” he said.

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