 We will field seven batsmen in first Test: Kumble
25th Mar 2008 21:03 IST
Agencies
On the pitch, Kumble said, "The wicket looks good. It is a good surface, a typical Chennai wicket with good bounce and carry. As the game progresses, it should help spinners. Under these hot conditions, I don't think moisture will be a factor."
Stating that the Proteas would miss the services of Shaun Pollock, Kumble said, "but as a unit they have done well in the last couple of seasons in the sub-continent. So you should give them the credit and respect. They have always been a competitive side and have done well in the past. Morkel, Nitini and Kallis together are a good bowling unit."
Asked to react to Mark Boucher's statement Monday that 'sledging cannot be totally eliminated' and whether he had received any letter from the ICC on the issue, the Indian skipper said, "We did not receive any letter. We are all capable and responsible enough to understand where the line is. I am sure cricket will be played in the right manner.
"As for Boucher's comments, everybody understands that. It is always good to have a healthy battle on the field. Everybody understands whatever happens on the field it should remain on the field. We are all mature enough to understand that. We will ensure that in the series and in future series as well."
On cases where players fail to draw the line, Kumble said, "No, I don't think so. The match referee is there to handle those situations. Sometimes you have to go and meet the match referee. It happens at the heat of the moment, we still have time for the referees meeting. We will go by ICC rules."
He also said that the team members had a few good sessions and workshops with Paddy Upton, the mental conditioning expert of the side, who has been chatting with individual players on one-on-one basis.
On the lack of a warm-up match, he said, "we have played enough cricket. Even those who have not played ODIs in Australia, have played in Deodhar. As for me, I always believe a break really helps you."
About the burnout of players due to excessive cricket, Kumble said, "It is important to keep the balance of rest and cricket. We have done that. Everybody is up well. We could see the intensity during the practice session.
"Nowadays everyone understands the need to be intense. I am really confident that the team will do well on all five days. Heat will be a factor. But we are capable of handling that. We are not worried about the work load." |
