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Wright all praise for youngsters
April 15, 2003 18:19 IST
Describing the new members in the Indian squad as "highly promising", India coach John Wright says the youngsters have "fitted in" very well and should now learn to handle pressure at the top level of cricket.
"The youngsters are the ones who need this exposure with the senior team," Wright told reporters on the eve of Wednesday's tri-series match against Bangladesh, adding the team is toying with the idea of introducing a couple of changes in the line-up tomorrow.
"Some of the players could be rested. It will give the opportunity to some of the youngsters to have a go."
India won both their matches and are virtually assured of making it to the final of the tournament, being played on a double-league format, on April 20.
Wright said captain Sourav Ganguly may be rested for the match along with Zaheer Khan, who has a slight hamstring strain.
"Zaheer has a slight hamstring strain and will definitely not play tomorrow. It is not very serious and we will decide whether to field him in the match against South Africa, depending on his recovery," the coach said.
Wright indicated that off-spinner Sarandeep Singh, recalled into the team after quite some time, might play while paceman Aavishkar Salvi and all-rounder Sanjay Bangar could also figure in the playing eleven.
On whether young Parthiv Patel will open the innings, Wright said there is a chance that he may be elevated in the batting order.
"We may consider such a move. He has a lot of talent as a batsman. It is upto the skipper to decide the batting order."
Wright also emphasised the importance of the team maintaining the winning sequence which has seen India rout Bangladesh and South Africa by huge margins.
"We have played very well in the tournament so far, but it is still early days. We have to keep winning and tomorrow it will be no different. We have to keep that hunger," he said.
The coach said he is pleased with the fact that the team is far more consistent now.
"We have worked very hard on this aspect. Consistency has a lot to do with attitude," he said.
Wright said after the heavy thunderstorms on Monday night, the track may turn slightly which would help the spinners.
The Indians were scheduled to practice in the morning but the thunderstorm shortly after the South Africa-Bangladesh match last night left the ground soggy.
The team then decided to have an optional practice session in the afternoon.
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