Indians have rigorous practice session

By Our Special Correspondent

HARARE, MAY 26. The hard grind at the Harare Sports Club might have left the players drained but there was a specific purpose behind the extended training session. Coach John Wright would like the boys to get the feel of the conditions quickly and as much as possible.

The weather mercifully has been kind and that was the only consolation for the Indians as Wright whipped them into a match- fit rigour here on Saturday. As they chased the ball, went skidding and practised slip catching, the Indians might have wondered at the roar emanating from the bar. It was not for their antics but a rugby game which was the attraction for the members of this elite club.

``Good practice session,'' said skipper Sourav Ganguly, looking remarkably relaxed. Perspiring profusely, he welcomed the training ``some of the boys are feeling stiffness and that's why this long training. The ground here looks heavy and we need greater strength in the legs. All of us need practice. But there are no fitness worries. Everyone is looking fit and it's been good so far.''

Ganguly conceded it was a long way for the first Test. When asked if he was concerned at the home team preferring thickish outfield to curb the flow of boundaries, he just smiled ``it can work both ways. It would be good for our bowlers too in that case.''

Glancing at the fast bowlers, Ganguly said ``they all look happy to have come outside India.'' Why, one was keen to know. ``Well, they would have something in the pitches here. Something good for the seamers, all five of them.'' The bowlers too agreed and looked pleased with their overall effort today.

The Indians are also not unduly worried about the playing conditions here and the brand of balls (Kookaburra) to be used. Ganguly spoke his mind ``I don't think we should be having any problems regarding the type of balls used at this level, whether Kookaburra or SG or Duke. At the camp we did practise with the type of balls that are to be used in the series here. I don't believe in cribbing about pitches, grounds, outfield, food, umpires...These are all petty things and don't count. I don't think we as a team should bother about such things. They can be only minor excuses and nothing more.''

Ganguly continued in the same vein ``this is a very close-knit team. The boys are young and keen to perform. They all want to do well. They all want India to win. So that makes my job easier. We aren't going to indulge in bad behaviour on the field.

The game's become competitive but we know how to keep things under control. John (Wright) makes a special mention of it.''

The team was to have a session at a gym nearby but it was cancelled to allow the players some rest before the reception at the residence of the acting High Commissioner of India, Mr. D. Ramamoorthy, in the evening.

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