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Beware of the Kiwis: Wright
August 10, 2003 16:17 IST
The Indians will have to "fight hard" against the "under-rated" New Zealand side when the former visit the country for a two-Test series later this year, coach John Wright warned on Sunday.
"New Zealanders peformed well on a recent tour to Sri Lanka. They (the Kiwis) are always under-rated and they make you fight hard," Wright, a former New Zealand batsman, said at Bangalore.
"It's up to us to perform better and keep the home record going".
Asked how eager is the Indian team to avenge its thrashing by New Zealand on its last tour, Wright said the team is always eager to play good cricket against any side.
Wright further added that he was satisfied with the way the pace department has been performing recently. "We seem to be getting more depth in the pace department which is good".
Wright said it was a good move by the BCCI and the selectors to pick 36 players, including the India "A" team that toured England, for the conditioning camp at Bangalore, and dismissed suggestions that it would be too big a group to handle.
"It will be alright and fine. I think it is a good move by the BCCI and the selectors to get this many for selection".
There were some good performances in the recent India 'A' tour of England, he said, adding, it was an excellent tour and coach Sandeep Patil deserved congratulations.
"It (36 probables) will be a good base from the fitness point of view. I will not find it difficult to handle as many. I am confident of doing a good job," Wright said.
Asked if some of the India "A" players who did well on the tour have a chance to get into the national squad, he said the selectors are looking for them to consolidate their performances on the tour and be consistent in domestic matches as well.