An impressive performance in the Irani Cup tie between Mumbai and the Rest of India could provide the fringe players an opportunity to secure a berth in the teams that will play two three-day matches against the touring New Zealanders later this month.

According to S K Nair, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Board President's XI and the India A teams to play the Kiwis will be selected during the September 18-22 match at Chennai.

The Indian team for the first Test will be picked during the three-day tie between the Kiwis and India 'A' to be played in Rajkot, Gujarat, from October 2 to 4.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai team on Tuesday started its preparation for the Irani Cup match with a four-hour practice session and physical conditioning at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Skipper Sachin Tendulkar was on the field all through the session which was held in hot and humid conditions.

Coach Chandrakant Pandit said Tendulkar's appointment as captain of the side for the season's inaugural domestic match would boost the spirit of the players.

"The young players in the teams will be charged up to perform against the Rest of India team, which has several players of the Indian team," he said.

So far both the Mumbai team and the Rest of India have won the Irani Cup 15 times each.