By IANS
Sydney : Captain Anil Kumble might be asking himself lot of questions before finalising the right combination for the second Test, starting Wednesday, but on the eve of it he put up a brave front to say that he is banking on the past record of his team at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Before finally deciding not to bow to pressure to include Virender Sehwag in the eleven, Kumble gave the impression that he might, after all, play him to give some respite to a struggling Rahul Dravid. At the pre-match briefing, he would not rule out the chances of Sehwag playing. If he has to include Sehwag, the axe would have fallen on Yuvraj Singh.
It was a complex situation for the new Indian captain, but a couple of hours later he had decided not to rock the boat by making too many changes.
He, however, told reporter earlier that “the team combination will be decided tomorrow morning. We have some plans in mind, which we need to discuss in the team meeting.” Till this afternoon, Sehwag was very much in Kumble’s scheme of things.
Kumble spoke highly of Sehwag’s abilities. “He looked good in nets and his form is not at all a matter of concern for us. He definitely brings in a positive approach in the team with his carefree attitude.”
India trailing 0-1 in the four-match Test series need to win here to keep the hopes alive and it will need a lot from the batsmen to negotiate the lethal Australian bowling attack on an SCG track that should initially afford a good bounce.
“I got an opportunity to see the pitch and it looks a good surface. But pitch should not be a worrying factor for us. We need to take the pitch and conditions out of our equation,” the Indian captain said.
The Indian captain also hoped the New Year brings in a lot more positive things for his struggling side.
“In the first match of the series you always have a little nervousness and the wicket in Melbourne didn’t help us too. The Australians also bowled well. In Sydney we have always done well. The last time we played here the outfield was fast and it suited us. The wicket here is also very good, balls generally come on to the bat and we are looking for a good contest. Everybody is determined to put up a good show here,” he said.
Kumble said his boys have put behind the disappointment of Melbourne Test and are looking forward to new challenges.
He also said that Sourav Ganguly, who was indisposed for the past couple of days, was fine and will play the match.
“Sourav is ok. He was a bit under weather but he is now fine,” he said.
Recalling the team’s impressive performances overseas in the recent past, Kumble said: “I don’t see any reason why the team can’t do well here.”