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Focussing on Test: Rajput

Adelaide: Lalchand Rajput, the Indian assistant coach, said the team, which arrived here on Monday, will not be distracted from the objective of levelling the four-Test series by the possible disappointment associated with the selection of the one-day squad.

Sourav Ganguly was dropped from the team that played Pakistan, while Rahul Dravid failed to earn a recall to the one-day side. Anil Kumble, who has retired from the shorter version, V.V.S. Laxman, Wasim Jaffer, V.R.V. Singh and Pankaj Singh are the other cricketers who will return home after the fourth Test.

“At the moment we are concentrating on the Test series,” said Rajput, asked if the announcement of the one-day squad had affected team morale.

“The players are aware of how important the game (fourth Test) is. They are professional and know what it takes to win. Our focus is on cricket and we are looking forward to level the series.”

Balancing act

Robin Singh, the fielding coach, said selection was a fine balancing act. “You can look at it both ways,” he said. “The senior guys with batting experience are an asset. When you weigh it against the fielding, the younger guys will be better fielders.

“It is easier to work with the youngsters, but the seniors are very experienced and proven performers, and the young guys must fill the gaps,” he added.

India had a cycling session at Perth before flying out on Monday, which was a day, Rajput said, of “switching off”. — Special Correspondent

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