The Hindu : Sport : Kumble’s game plan

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Kumble’s game plan

Sports Reporter

India looking to keep second spot
Steyn charged up, says Smith

Chennai: Indian captain Anil Kumble spoke of the importance of posting big totals, ahead of the first Test against South Africa, which begins here on Wednesday.

“The key to winning is to post big scores and let the bowlers put pressure on the visiting batsmen. It is a game plan that has worked well for us in the past, both at home and abroad, and there is no reason why we can’t do that again. We have the batsmen who produce good scores on any sort of wicket and I expect the same from them again.”

No weather worries

The weather, he said, wouldn’t be too much of a factor for the host. “The hot and humid weather will affect both teams, but I suppose we are more used to it than the South Africans.”

The captain was confident four bowlers would do the job, despite the heat; but refused to confirm the playing eleven. “There is a thought that we play five bowlers, but then we also have (Virender) Sehwag, Sachin (Tendulkar) and Sourav (Ganguly) to chip in with useful spells.”

Intensity levels, he said, wouldn’t be a problem. “We know South Africa are a very competitive side, but we can win if we play to our potential and maintain the intensity for all five days.

“We want to maintain our number two position in the Test rankings. We have worked hard to get there and want to stay there for as long as we can. For that we have to play well each session, each day of a Test match.”

Crucial factor

Meanwhile, South African skipper Graeme Smith said it would require focussed efforts in every session, to win in India.

“The first innings is always a crucial factor in Test matches, apart from that we have to keep our focus on every session. I guess humidity will have a big role to play in the coming five days in Chennai. How we are going to manage ourselves is the key.

“We have sketched game plans for each and every Indian player. We are well aware of the fact that the Indian middle order has a big reputation, but it’s not our worry. Executing our strategy is our main focus.”

The side will go in with one spinner (Paul Harris) due to availability reasons. “Our other spinner is away, so we’ll play just the one spinner. It will be a real test for the youngsters in the team who have come to India for the first time. I am happy with the present squad after a selection controversy back home.

Mentally prepared

“In a way, it is a bonus that we could come here moving away from the issue and focus on cricket. We are mentally prepared and have spent considerable amount of time in planning. We are ready to play our brand of cricket here,” said Smith.

On his individual goals, he said, “it’s the toughest job to open the innings and captain the side. The responsibilities on my shoulders are huge. I would be a happy man if I’m able to contribute with big scores and I want to play a big role in my team’s victory,” he said.

The captain added that Dale Steyn was charged up for the Test. “His recent performances against Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh have motivated him a lot. A couple of Indian players’ comments have spurred him even more. We have spoken about a few different game plans and I hope he will continue to do well.”

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