Archives

WELLINGTON, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Indian captain Saurav Ganguly refused to say his players had played too much cricket over the last year after his side's 10 wicket loss to New Zealand in the first test that ended on Saturday.

The series against New Zealand is the Indians' sixth in the last 12 months and facing a first innings deficit of 86, India only mustered 121 leaving New Zealand a target of just 36 runs, which they achieved in 43 minutes late in the middle session of the third day.

"Talking about too much cricket is providing an excuse," Ganguly said. "It's hard touring, but that's how life is.

"We were beaten fairly and squarely today, which was very disappointing, but it's not because we are fatigued.

"Our shot selection was poor. We'll be spending a lot of time in the nets before the next match.

"We will improve and I am confident the New Zealand public will see us at our best."

India coach John Wright, who was a former New Zealand opener, said his side had been undone by a lack of experience of New Zealand conditions, particularly the fast and bouncy Basin Reserve pitch.

"We have to adjust. We thought the wicket would be similar to those we faced in England this year, but this one was much harder and faster," said Wright.

"Ideally we would like another match now, so we can have a look at players outside the 11. But...touring is like that these days and we have to live with it."

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming meanwhile, praised the wicket, and said he had been asking for pitches with more bounce for some time.

"All I ask for in New Zealand is bounce," said Fleming. "They make us better with the bat and ball and this wicket, and hopefully a similar one in Hamilton, is heading in the right direction." 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager