Captains sound confident

By Our Special Correspondent

HARARE, JULY 6. The captains had the same cliched things to say at the pre-match press conference. Sourav Ganguly and Carl Hooper spoke of the positive approach which shall mark their cricket in the final of the triangular series on Saturday.

Ganguly began ``we've done pretty well in the last four games and don't want to falter in the final. It's happened to us three times out of the last four finals.''

Hooper promised ``basically we'll try to play good cricket in all areas and try to beat India. It'll be a big atmosphere and it'll be a boost going into the Test series against Zimbabwe if we win tomorrow.''

Laxman to play

Ganguly continued to paint a rosy picture ``we've been hitting the ball well. Laxman is back. He's a class player. We've to go and do it. The bowler's have been doing a good job and I hope they continue to do well tomorrow. The team's feeling good, feeling confident but there are butterflies in the stomach as well.''

The Indian skipper said he was not worried about the toss. ``The pitch is hard and dry and the team which plays better cricket shall win. It's a final and a different ball game.''

Coach John Wright made some valid comments. ``It (final) is the same really. To be honest, all they need to do is keep their basics right. It's no different than any other match. The players understand that, it's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it. I'm not interested in history. All I know is that the boys are going to give everything that they can to win this match. We've got a good young group and I'm confident about them.''

Elaborating his observation, Wright concluded ``we've played good cricket in the last four games. The batters and bowlers have performed well. Winning or losing is a part of the game. I just want them to go and give their best. They have the proficiency to win. It's the key factor if you're looking at winning the game.''

Hooper struck a warning note before parting. ``Tomorrow it's a one-off game and if we play well we'll win. The batting hasn't been bad but a trifle slow. We need some one to bat through and get a big score. Having said that I must say we haven't been bowling well. The quicks have been going for some runs in the first 15 overs. We got to bowl better.''

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Section  : Sport
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