India 'A' arrive for Carib Beer contest

India `A' arrived in the Caribbean yesterday adamant that their late appearance and last-minute preparation should not put them at a disadvantage in the ongoing Carib Beer Cricket Series.

Team coach Ashok Malhotra, a member of Kapil Dev's Indian team that toured the West Indies in 1983, said his side, captained by top batsman VVS Laxman, should be very competitive over the next two months.

"We've come here to play some good cricket. We have a very formidable India `A' side, led by one of our great batsmen. We are hoping to compete," Malhotra told reporters at the Grantley Adams International Airport.

"Most of our kids grow up in India thinking about West Indies' cricket. That is a kind of a dream come true for some of our youngsters."

A couple of hiccups led to India `A' arriving in the Caribbean about ten days later than originally anticipated and it caused them to miss last weekend's scheduled opening-round Carib Beer Series match against West Indies `B'.

As a result, they have just one day to acclimatise to conditions ahead of their match against Barbados, starting tomorrow at the Windward Club ground in Lucas Street, St Philip.

The 46-year-old Malhotra, who played seven Tests and 20 One-Day Internationals between 1981 and 1986, said no one was to be blamed for the delay.

"It was maybe a lack of communications somewhere," he said. "We are here. Let's have fun and enjoy the tour."

The 15-man squad includes six players with international experience. The best known is Laxman, a polished middle-order batsman who toured the West Indies with the senior India team last year.

The others with international experience are opener Connor Williams, left-handed batsman Hemang Badani, left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra and fast bowler Tinu Youhannan.

They are joined on this trip by a few promising teenagers who are hoping to benefit from the experience.

"It is a new challenge. It is the first time India `A' have gone abroad to play a full tournament." Malhotra said.

"There are some really exciting prospects and it will be a step up for all the kids.

"The intention is to help develop them for a higher level, but another priority is to win the championship.

"We want to do well. This is a huge opportunity for all these youngsters.

"When they play in India, these batsmen, when they score runs, we say he's got hundreds but he's played on docile wickets.

"If they get a hundred here, it will be counted. If a fast bowler gets five wickets, it will be counted."

The India `A' team was only named last week Friday and they would have spent little time as a unit before making the trip to the Caribbean.

The late preparation, however, has not bothered the coach.

"The guys have been playing top-grade, first-class cricket," he said. "The selectors have done a wonderful job. I think they have picked probably the best possible side."