Chappell seeks to end controversy

The Indian coach Greg Chappell has sought to calm the controversy currently surrounding the team. He read out a written statement where he confirmed his respect for Sourav Ganguly and desire to work with him in the future.

Chappell said the private discussion, which has caused considerable media speculation, was aimed at motivating Ganguly ahead of the Bulawayo Test. "It is disappointing that what was a private discussion between the captain and myself, has become a cause of public speculation. Even more disappointing is that much of what has been written, does not represent the discussion fairly.

"It was a frank discussion about Indian cricket's present and future, and much of what I said was aimed at motivating Sourav for the Bulawayo Test match. In that regard our exchange was beneficial.

"Sourav and I share a mutual respect going back a long time. Thankfully, it is strong enough to survive what has occurred in the past week. I have great respect for what Sourav has achieved in his playing and captaincy career and look forward to working with him in the future."

The reconciliation drama was completed when the two posed for the photographers and TV crews by playing a game of pool. The process had begun in the morning when the two met for a discussion, initiated by the manager Amitabh Chowdhary, apparently at the behest of the Indian Cricket Board.

Later, the two also appeared on normal terms at the Harare Sports Club ground where they seemed to exchange notes on the pitch and conditions. Chappell said if the media wanted any questions to be directed at him it was to be only on cricket.

Still, the lack of communication between the coach and captain was evident when Chappell said they had not decided about the side while Ganguly commented it would be an unchanged side for tomorrow's Test.

Ganguly, on his part, said he looked forward to winning the Test and it "would be serious" if they failed to do so. He said his reasons for selecting two spinners was because the pitch appeared pretty dry underneath.