Pakistan are a good side, says More

Published February 17, 2005

GWALIOR, Feb 16: Chairman of Indian cricket selectors Kiran More believes Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer will make little difference to India's preparations for coming cricket series.

According to More, though Englishman brought in trend of using computers to modernise coaching methods, rest of cricketing world has caught up with his scientific approach.

"We all know Woolmer is a good coach. He has done a terrific job for South Africa and has been doing no less for Pakistan. He certainly will have more knowledge about India to give them (Pakistan). But everybody is now prepared in modern cricket.

"Everyone uses software knowledge, and there is extensive TV coverage. So everyone is prepared and exposed as well," More said. Woolmer had plotted Pakistan's successful comeback from home series loss to India last year.

Since he took over from Javed Miandad, Pakistan had beaten India in all four one-day matches, in Asia Cup, a tri-series in Holland, in ICC Champions Trophy and BCCI Platinum Jubilee one-off match.

More said India would be at their peril to be complacent in coming series of three Tests and five one-dayers beginning later this month. "Pakistan are a good side. Of course they did not have a good tour of Australia. But not every team does well there," he said.

"India did well. But it is a tough place to tour and (irrespective of results) when you comeback your confidence is high. And they are used to Indian wickets as well. "We cannot be complacent, we have to play better cricket to win matches."

More said except for Sachin Tendulkar, there were no major injury concerns. "Injuries (to different players) are minor. Sachin was our main concern. "But he is recovering well and very positive about being fit for the series. Selectors also hope he will probably get to play a Duleep Trophy match before series starts."

He said he was impressed with way Lakshmipathy Balaji has comeback from six-month injury layoff. "For kind of injury he had, he has comeback strongly, he bowled outstandingly well in Challenger series."

Asked if team will go for a three-spin bowling attack against Pakistan on home tracks, he said, "it will depend on the situation. Definitely we have our game plans, we will discuss it with captain, coach and senior players."

About unsettled position of wicket keeper's slot, More chose to look at it in positive manner. "It is a good sign that we have three young guys who are fighting for wicket-keeping position.

"The only thing is we are looking for a batsman/wicket-keeper in one-dayers, who could be called a wicket-keeper/all-rounder," he added. He also answered disgruntlement of Yuvraj Singh, who had grumbled about being jettisoned from Test team after being tried once as an opener.

"When we try someone who we think could do well as an opener, sometimes it clicks, sometimes it doesn't. When it clicks, it helps team hugely. Basically we are looking at team's needs, not at individual." -Agencies

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