E-Paper
Shape up or ship out: Sourav to batsmen
Sourav Ganguly urged his batsmen to deliver or face the axe when the hosts launch their series-levelling quest in second Test.
India's captain Sourav Ganguly urged his batsmen to deliver or face the axe when the hosts launch their series-levelling quest in the second Test against Australia here from Thursday.
"It is high time the batsmen realise they have to come good," Ganguly told reporters on Wednesday, indicating he may reshuffle the batting for the crucial match.
"They have to think positive. These are players who have got double centuries against the best fast bowling and on fast wickets.
"Their records speak for themselves. I have faith in my batsmen to deliver but one can't wait for ever."
India, missing star batsman Sachin Tendulkar due to a tennis elbow injury, were shot out for 246 and 239 in the first Test at Bangalore to lose by 217 runs.
"It is a big blow not to have Sachin around, but the others have to stand up and be counted," Ganguly said.
Tendulkar, the world's most prolific batsman with 33 Test and a record 37 one-day centuries, was on Wednesday ruled out of the second Test and remains a doubtful starter for the remaining two matches as well.
Ganguly sees the Test at the Chepauk here as his team's "best chance" to draw level after winning two successive matches against the world champions here in 1998 and 2001.
The Indian captain indicated Mohammad Kaif may fill the number six slot while left-hander Yuvraj Singh replaces Aakash Chopra at the top of the order.
"We want to give Kaif a go," the captain said. "It is likely that Yuvraj may be pushed to open with Virender Sehwag."
