By IANS
Canberra : As the focus slowly but surely shifts away from controversies to matters cricketing, India captain Anil Kumble hinted that the practice match against the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) team would be crucial in selecting the team for the third Test in Perth, starting Jan 16.
“The focus for us is to the get the best possible exposure out of this game. Some of the guys haven’t had a hit in the middle so it is important to get the best out of this game,” said Kumble.
While expressing disappointment at the events, which transpired in the aftermath of the Sydney Test, Kumble said his team was looking forward to the remainder of the series against Australia.
“It was just a temporary setback. We need to move on. The game is bigger than the individual. As a nation we’ve played good cricket. I’m proud of the way Indian cricket teams have played over the years and we’ll continue to do that,” said Kumble, in his first press conference after the second Test match in Sydney.
On the Harbhajan case, which will be heard again, Kumble said: “We are hopeful that we will get the right decision.”
In the aftermath of the Sydney Test, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle to mediate between the two captains and create an atmosphere of harmony for the rest of the series.
“We are all equal partners to ensuring that cricket is played in the right spirit and, I’m sure moving forward, everybody will stick to that. On behalf of my team, I’m sure we’ll play in the right spirit,” he said.