Special Correspondent
KARACHI, March 29: The chosen 14-member cricket team left for Singapore to measure strength with Sri Lanka and India in a newly-arranged triangular, starting from April 1 on the island.
The players assembled at the Defence Stadium and had a pre-noon net for two-and-a-half hours under the supervision of Saleem Yousuf, designated as assistant manager. The selectees appeared to be lively and in perfect physical shape. They displayed plenty of zip and mobility on the field.
The defeat in Bangalore should be taken in its stride and as a part of sport. There will be a lot of pressure psychologically on the Sri Lankans now that they are holders of the World Cup, Salahuddin said. They may become complacent in foreign fixtures and may not be able to show the grit and pluck against losing squads of the World Cup. Once the seamers bowl with high pace, venom and spitefulness and the spin attack strains the skill of rival batsmen the national team will have the edge.
Salahuddin asked the batsmen to demonstrate confidence and aggression against the rival attack. They have, according to him, the greater sum of talent and more balance in their squad. A better game plan and an attacking strategy will hopefully earn them the prize.
Manager Intikhab Alam joined the Singapore-bound conglomerate at the eleventh hour and left with the team, assistant manager and the physio.