Indians exude confidence (15 February 1999)

15 February 1999

Indians exude confidence

Hasan Masood in Calcutta

Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin wants to win the first match of the Asian Test Championship against arch rivals Pakistan. The Test starts here at the Eden Gardens tomorrow. The Indian captain was talking to a crowded group of reporters yesterday evening after a light practice session with his team.

"We are definitely looking for a win and the boys are quite confident," said the tall Hyderabad-based batsman.

About the new format, which includes points for both runs and wickets,

Azhar said that it was not anything new for him. "We play Ranji Trophy in the same way and everybody is familiar with the format. So I don't think this will put any extra pressure on us," Azhar said.

Regarding the wicket at the Eden Gardens, Azhar said," The wicket looks pretty good and firm. I think this will be a nice batting wicket. There is a lot of grass, which might also help the seamers".

But, when asked whether he was going to add an extra seamer in the team, Azhar said that the chance of shuffling the team, which won the Delhi Test, was very slim. He revealed that local hero Saurav Ganguly might act as the third seamer if an additional pacer is not included along with Srinath and Prasad.

When asked about his own performance at the Eden where he scored a century against Australia last season, Azhar said that Eden was always a good pitch for him. " If my luck favours, I might score another century this time," said Azhar.

Indian coach Ansuman Gaekwad, who accompanied Azhar at the press briefing, also

expressed his optimism about the Calcutta Test.

"This is for the first time in the world that a Test will be held under a new format with neutral umpires. My team is looking forward to playing the game, no matter what rules have been included," said Ansuman.

"Nothing to worry about the format because this will be applicable for both the teams. The batsmen will try and get as many runs as possible for the run-points while the bowlers will try their best to get the most points by taking wickets. So I think both the teams are thinking along the same line."

"The team morale is very high after winning the Delhi Test and I hope they repeat the same here. But you know the game is cricket and anything can happen in five days," Ansuman added.

The much talked about Pakistan team, who finished their three-day match in Cochin on Saturday, were yet to arrive in the "City of Joy".

According to a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official, the team was scheduled to arrive Calcutta late Sunday night.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team expressed sheer frustration for not having reached Calcutta two days before of the match. Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said in Cochin on Saturday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not kept its commitment. He said that they were told by the BCCI that they would reach Calcutta on Saturday night.

Source :: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)