Mukund looking for fringe benefits against Australia

Determined to make an impression against Australia, Board President's XI skipper Abhinav Mukund today said that he and his teammates are looking forward to put up a good fight when they take on the visitors in a two-day warm-up match, starting Tuesday.

"I think making an impression against any side is important and consideration of weak or strong side does not arise. The important aspect is that we do well against a visiting team. We give them a good game but at the same time, we do well, which is definitely going to be growth in our career," Mukund said in the pre-match press conference.

"We want to have a good game and our mindset is that there is no dead rubber. It is not that the Australians get to a good start in the match. At the end of the day, they might look at it as a warm-up match but we are not in the same league to feel that way. It is a proper game for us, though it is sad that it is a two-day game. So I do not see why we will not give a good fight to them," he added.

Mukund also said games like these provide fringe players a great opportunity to showcase their potential.

"Last time when we played England, we had done well against them. I think it is a good incentive for the fringe players to do well in any game. I was watching an interview in some TV channel on Australia-West Indies game and Adam (Gilchrist) had said that there are no dead rubbers for fringe players in any game. So, every game is important for fringe players," he elaborated.

BPXI's coach Lalchand Rajput also agreed that it would be a good chance for the youngsters to stake claims in the national side. "Most of the boys have been busy playing domestic cricket. In fact, they just finished the Corporate Trophy and some have played in Irani trophy. We are looking at a good game that these boys get to play against an international side. It is a good opportunity for these boys to stake a claim and take the next step," he said.

... contd.

ALSO READ

IPL 2013 preview: In a best-of-the-rest clash, Kings XI Punjab take on Sunrisers Hyderabad

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, lone Warrior in a defeated army

IPL 2013: Away at home, Virat Kohli strikes

Only Sachin Tendulkar can decide on his retirement, says Sanath Jayasuriya