Post Card from India: `Even more motivated than before'

After successfully getting through the first half of our mission in India, the team is even more motivated than before the first test. All members of the touring party actually believe that we can be the first team to beat India in a series at home for 14 years. That is what we worked for and that will be the focus for the next five days. Anil Kumble has already proved that he is a high quality bowler and combining with the batting of the little Indian captain, Sachin, they certainly make them a tough team to beat at home. The return of Azhar will no doubt give them a lift and increase the depth in their batting line-up. We played against Azhar in the President XI match and had a brief look at his technique, which will be handy come Thursday.

What's been interesting to me is the way Gary Kirsten is going about batting over here. I believe he is still as hungry as ever and would no doubt set his sights on getting the magical three figures. The longer he bats the greater the advantage for us with the left/right hand combination.

Selection will also be interesting with Cullinan back to full fitness and both Dippenaar and Hayward pushing for a place in the starting line-up. It all proves to be a healthy situation for us.

Hope to write some more after the 2nd test.