Difficult to pick the final XI

We are playing after a lengthy break, but the good part is that we have a full-strength squad, writes Sourav Ganguly.

The Asia Cup is set to roll. Our first match is against the UAE in Dambulla, which is about four-and-a-half hour's drive from Colombo. Dambulla is one of the most beautiful places one has ever seen, so it's a pleasure being here.

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The rules in this edition of the Asia Cup are slightly different. There are six teams in this tournament and the two top teams with maximum number of points qualify for the final. Also, there is a new no-ball rule. Every time a bowler delivers a no-ball, the batsman gets a free hit off the next delivery.

This means the batsman can play any shot but he can't be out. Actually, it is not a "new" rule. It is very common in English county cricket (Twenty20), but it is being tried out for the first time in the international arena.

We played a warm-up match against a Sri Lankan A team and won the match by nine wickets. It was good outing for us considering that there was a fair bit of bounce in the wicket and the Lankan side had three good seamers.

Out first game is against the UAE. They are one of the qualifiers along with Hong Kong. Kenya is a wonderful example of how new entrants can make an impact on the big stage after their stupendous performance in the 1996 World Cup. However, to be honest, Kenya play a lot more matches than Hong Kong and the UAE.

For us, it is important to get into the groove as early as possible.

We are all coming back after a three-and-a-half month break, but the good part is that for the first time in recent times we have a full-strength squad. It will be difficult to pick the final XI, especially with all the bowlers showing good form.

I was particularly happy to see Harbhajan bowl so well in the warm-up game on Wednesday, turning the ball a long way and also getting a fair bit of bounce. Bhajji was out of the game for about eight months, but he looked like his old vintage self.

We play Sri Lanka next. Marvan Atapattu and his team are just back after an absorbing Test series in Australia.

They too will need to settle down quickly in the one-day format. Sri Lanka have always been a dangerous side at home therefore it is important for us to settle down well before we play them on Sunday.

Pakistan, under their new coach Bob Woolmer, will be a force to reckon with, especially after all the criticism they had to face after losing to us at home.

The stage is set for a keenly-fought tournament in the Emerald Island. Let the action begin. (Café Cricket)