A loss for the team: Wright

COLOMBO, AUG. 10. Sachin Tendulkar's absence is a huge blow to the Indian team's Test series campaign in Sri Lanka, yet coach John Wright sees a ray of hope... of the emergence of a more resilient side.

Talking to The Hindu soon after the news of Tendulkar's non- availability reached him, Wright said, ``Situations like these can throw up players. Didn't Harbhajan come through against Australia when Kumble was not around?

The coach observed, ``It really is an opportunity for the youngsters. If we can come through this a tougher side, it augurs well for the future. The reality is Tendulkar is not going to be here. He's a big player and it does make a difference. Yet, we've got to stay positive and play, good, hard cricket.''

Wright said since the team-management with the help of physio Andrew Liepus was monitoring Tendulkar's progress from here, the news did not actually come as a total surprise.

He went on, ``It's a loss for the team, Sachin himself and people who love to watch the game. But in the interests of Indian cricket, we must make sure that when he returns, he returns completely fit.''

The coach added the absence of ace leg-spinner Anil Kumble, quality middle-order batsman V. V. S. Laxman and promising left- arm paceman Ashish Nehra would also be felt.

However, he quickly pointed out, ``But there can be no excuses. The eleven going into the first Test will be the best India eleven available at that particular moment and they should get their act together and perform. Given the opportunity, Badani, Kaif, Mongia and Martin should be able to deliver. That's the challenge before them.''

Apart from reworking on the batting order with Tendulkar and Laxman out of the picture, Wright said the slip cordon will also wear a different look. ``Tendulkar and Laxman were great in the slips against Australia. Now we will have to find new men.''

``The bottom line is, the team has to show character,'' concluded Wright.

- Our Special Correspondent

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