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A fruitful camp: Kumble

Special Correspondent

Agrees with Dhoni on match schedules
Upbeat about the series against Sri Lanka

BANGALORE: Test skipper Anil Kumble looked confident and relaxed after a seven day conditioning camp for the Test specialists that concluded at the NCA here this afternoon. Speaking to the media, Kumble addressed the need for such a camp to bring the team together in the midst of a long break.

“It was a good seven day camp. And we were lucky with the weather… for anywhere else in India with the rains there was little scope,” the skipper said.

Kumble thanked the NCA and Dav Whatmore for all the facilities and assistance provided. “It was more of a relaxed camp wherein the purpose was to address each individual. We worked on skills and had exhaustive sessions on fitness. More importantly, we played together for some time and had a hit,” he added.

On Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly giving the camp a miss, he said, “Sachin is in London and so is Sourav for different reasons. They are both very experienced cricketers and I’ve no problems with them opting out of this camp. They are seniors and know what is expected of them.”

On Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s comments on the scheduling of the Asia Cup, Kumble was in agreement with the ODI captain. He said: “It’s very difficult to play back- to- back one day matches. It’s tough and demanding on the players.”

On the ruling where batsmen could appeal against the unpire’s decision, he said: “It’s on experimental basis and in Sri Lanka we will have a closer look at this and then, maybe, make a comment on it.”

Kumble was upbeat about the series against Sri Lanka. “We will have another camp at Chennai before departure as a unit,” he added.

The skipper had words praise for aspirants like Gautham Gambir and Rohit Sharma. “It’s nice to have these players knocking at the doors of Test cricket. It’s a healthy sign and makes the others work that much harder.”

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