Aussies will be under pressure -- Ganguly
Express News Service

Chennai, February 11: Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly was impressed with the attitude of the youngsters at the conditioning camp for the probables here at IIT-Chemplast.

‘‘They evinced keen interest to learn and gave a good account of themselves. We have a good crop of fast bowlers. It depends on the kind of surface to try them out,’’ the Bengal left-hand batsman said.

‘‘I am fully satisfied with the camp. Coach John Wright organised it in a professional manner. The whole bunch worked hard.

‘‘The weather was a bit hot and we had gruelling practice sessions which would go a long way in helping us in the series against Australia.’’

The camp will resume on February 16 here. ‘‘I’m looking forward to the Challenger Series where we can see the best talent in the country. The team management is keen to watch all the players involved in the tournament.’’When asked about National selection committee chairman Chandu Borde’s observation that the spinners were bowling flat and had not been impressive, Ganguly said ‘‘it may be Borde’s own opinion. I think they are looking alright. They are not that bad,’’ he felt.

Speculation about his back problem, ‘‘Nothing is wrong with my back. I am fit,’’ he shot back. ‘‘We will assemble in Mumbai three or four days before the first Test match,’’ he informed.

The Indian captain seemed to be irked by Australian skipper Steve Waugh’s statement that India would be under pressure to face his side which has been in fine form with 15 successive Test wins. Ganguly retorted, ‘‘The pressure will be on the Australians, as they are coming here with the tag of world champions.‘‘I think whoever plays better will win. We are ready to face them,’’ he asserted.

Dahiya might keep in first Test

Saurav Ganguly today hinted that Vijay Dahiya might keep the wickets in the first Test against Australia in Mumbai, starting on Feb 27. The skipper said, ‘‘Dahiya is doing fine here. He suffered an injury on the little finger on his left hand. But an X-ray yesterday proved there was no fracture and only a bruise.’’

He singled out Dahiya from Nayan Mongia, who has been rehabilitated after the Board exonerated him from the CBI revelations on match-fixing allegations.

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