It was a tiring day for India 'A' at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and the young guns were busy stretching out after a hard day's work.
Sourav Ganguly is trying his level best to be in the best shape before the ball rolls. (TOI Photo)But Sourav Ganguly had other plans. He walked straight out of the dressing room, all padded up, with two reserve bowlers Dhawal Kulkarni and Sunit Tyagi, and went into the practice nets adjoining the main stadium. Innocuous deliveries at less than 125 kmph behaved like Brett Lee bouncers and Ganguly knew straight away it wouldn't be safe to ask the bowlers go full throttle on a surface that was clearly not in the best shape. Both Tyagi and Kulkarni were then asked to bowl a fuller length so that Ganguly could get a better feel of the ball. The sesssion continued for about 30 minutes and as Ganguly walked out of the nets, profusely sweating, TOI caught up with him. Excerpts...
How are the preparations going?
Good... I'm trying my level best to be in the best shape before the ball rolls. You looked in good touch in the first innings. It surely must've been disappointing to get run out. It is. Forget the runs, I was just desperate to spend two-three hours in the middle. It's the feel of the ball that matters in the end. (Smiles) Well, it may happen only in the Tests. But the New Zealanders are looking for quick runs. You may well get another chance to bat here... Probably, and if I get that, it'll be a good test. The pitch is not at all easy to bat on. 250 may just be a very difficult chase on the fourth day on this pitch.
What's your take on this Australian side?
It's a fantastic side. Just don't get excited by the result of the practice match. They'll be a completely different kettle of fish once the Tests start.
Are you surprised they have brought in Cameron White in place of the injured Bryce McGain?
Not quite. White can bat a bit as well. He also has the experience of playing in India. In fact, I won't be surprised if they play White in the first XI as well. Pace surely is their strength, and they'll go in with four pace bowlers, which will include Shane Watson. But White will also be there.
Do you have special plans for any one Aussie bowler?
No point making plans for one, all of them are good. I've to be ready for anything. You have played under pressure all your life. This time, with so much happening around you,
are you feeling the heat just a little bit more?
(Smiles again, then points to the India shirt he was wearing) As long as I'm wearing this, I know the pressure will be on me. And let me tell you, all those players who have been wearing this shirt for a long time know that. We're here to do that and nothing else matters. At the end of the day all that counts are the number of runs that are on the board. For the first time India are being seen as favourites before the Australia series. It's difficult to say that. I think there's nothing to choose between the sides. It'll be an extremely even contest.