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Game against Natal crucial
We have already been in South Africa six days. We are based in Durban and it has been good so far. The facilities provided to all the countries participating here have been outstanding.
We have already been in South Africa six days. We are based in Durban and it has been good so far. The facilities provided to all the countries participating here have been outstanding.
Right from the time the team landed in Johannesburg, the facilities at the airport and the way they have conducted the travel and the security has been very professional. It is the first World Cup in South Africa and it is quite evident that they are keen to make a mark in world cricket — about their organisational capabilities.
We have had a tough training schedule from the time we landed here. The day starts with a run at 7 am in the morning on the beach, a practice session at around midday and an hour at the gym in the evening. The boys have all been working very hard and are keen to make an impression, obviously knowing the importance of the event.
Our first warm-up game starts on Tuesday at Pietermaritzburg against the Natal Sharks. Natal has three representatives in the South African side - captain Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes. Of course, they will not be available for the game, but it will be a good warm-up match for us.
The wickets at the nets have been outstanding and the groundsman expects the same at the main venue too. The weather has been hot and dry and that has provided the groundsman with enough time to prepare the wicket.
We have rested Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath along with Dinesh Mongia and Parthiv Patel for this game. Sachin will bat at No.3.
We will be very keen to follow the performance of Sanjay Bangar and Ajit Agarkar in this game. Their good form can solve the No.7 issue for us. They have looked good in the nets, and now, it is important for them to score runs on Tuesday. For all of us, it will be an important game - a game to get early form and a game to get into the groove.
(India captain Sourav Ganguly will be writing exclusively for Hindustan Times during the World Cup)
