Wright enthusiastic about pre-season camp

John Wright has said that working with a pool of 36 players in two pre-season camps will give him and the selectors a good idea of which players can make the transition to the international level. Wright arrived in Bangalore yesterday with Gregory King, the newly appointed trainer, ahead of the conditioning camp which will be held from August 14-26.

The Times of India quoted Wright as saying: "Managing 36 players could be a bit difficult but the main idea is to get more players used to the training methods of King. It's the beginning of the season and as it progresses the number of players will come down. Having more players will also provide a wider pool of talent. It will give the selectors and myself a good indication of who's keen on working harder."

When asked about the absence of Javagal Srinath, who pulled out from the camp due to an injury in his right knee, Wright said that he hadn't spoken to him yet. "Sri is an experienced professional. He is big enough to make up his mind. But at the end of the day we need to talk to him."

Wright also spoke about the areas where the team needed to improve. "There are certain areas like the top of the order, fast bowling and fielding ...where we need more competition from players."

The list of 36 probables includes four openers apart from Virender Sehwag and Sanjay Bangar, who opened the innings in India's last Test, but one name missing from the line-up was Sadagoppan Ramesh. Ramesh last played for India in 2001 before being forced out with an injury. Speaking on Ramesh's chances of making a comeback, Wright said: "Ramesh is a good player. But there are always some unlucky players. He's scored runs in the domestic season and will have to take his chances."