We have to improve in all areas of the game: Wright
Staff Reporter - 1 March 2001
Indian coach John Wright admitted on Thursday that the Indian team had to
improve in all aspects of the game, following the loss to the Australians
in the first Test at Mumbai.
Addressing the press, he said "I think in any game there are points that can change the match and Tendulkar's dismissal was one of them." The former New Zealand captain added "It was an unusual dismissal and a brilliant piece of anticipation by Ricky Ponting."
The team has been working under Wright since November last year. The foreign coach was of the view that the change in the team is starting to show "but it's not going to be an overnight transformation." He added "We have to look at all departments of the game for improvement."
Wright's main goal before the next Test, commencing in Kolkata on March 11,
would be to ensure that the bowlers maintain discipline in line and length. He stressed that catching was a very important part as well.
On the methods that he would adopt to ensure the change, he added, "I am old fashioned but to reach high standards, there is a lot of hard work ahead. We have to improve in every area of the game."
The team strategy in this match was well discussed by the team management but it did not work out their way, the coach added.
On Javagal Srinath's decision to bat with only his left hand despite a fractured finger, Wright said "I think he showed outstanding courage and attitude. It was his decision to bat. Yes, it did look awkward, but to be honest I like players with that attitude. Players who like to go out there and put themselves on the line even with nagging injuries." He was optimistic on the availability of the Karnataka medium pacer for the second Test.
Looking forward to the second Test, Wright said "We have to look at the performance of the players and we need to analyse our performance as a team, whether we need a different balance of attack. I think the spinners are good enough to do the job." He added that a couple of youngsters would be getting an opportunity to perform in the Board President's match at New Delhi and he hoped that they would put up a good show.
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