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Azhar, Gaekwad regret Bajju's omission

The Wills International Cup beginning in Dhaka tomorrow is being billed as a ''nine nations, one chance'' event. And the Indian cricket team, led by Mohammad Azharuddion, is preparing to get into the mode, here in Delhi.

After a thorough net session at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, Azharuddin and coach Anshuman Gaekwad exuded confidence that the team would do well, notwithstanding its shock defeat against Zimbabwe in the one-off Test and the fact that they will meet a strong Australia in Dhaka on October 28.

Both the skipper and the coach regretted the ommission of 19-year-old off-spinner Harbhajan Singh from the squad on the recommendation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for ''faulty action''.

''It is really unfortunate and I hope he will be back as soon as possible,'' said Gaekwad. Azhar said,'' Age is on Harbhajan's side and he can come back soon.''

When it was pointed out that the Sri Lankan board had stood solidly behind offie Muthiah Muralitharan in the wake of complaints regarding his suspect bowling action, Azhar said,'' It is upto the board to decide.''

Gaekwad said,''We are in good form and not overawed by the Aussies,'' and added ''Our success rate in Bangladesh, and in one-day championships lately, has been very high.''

He expected the wicket in Dhaka to be low and slow. ''We have the best combination and all the players are fit,'' the Indian coach said.

Azhar said, ''We are not going with a pre-determined batting line-up and things will be decided according to the ground realities obtaining at a particular time.''

Azhar, who will play his record 300th one-dayer when he steps out against Australia, said,'' It is a great feeling.''

''Our bowlers are practising for the tie-breaker at the nets,'' the skipper said, referring to the tie-breaker rule which has been envisaged for the first time in cricketing history.

The camp, planned for two days, is likely to be extended by a day as the team might postpone its departure in view of rains in Bangladesh and to get some more time for practice here. As of now, the team is scheduled to leave for Dhaka on october 25.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that two of the Indian players -- Nayan Mongia and spinner Sunil Joshi-- had forgotten to bring their passports. Their passports were being sent here through courier.