NAGPUR, India, 25 October 2005 — Captain Rahul Dravid says Sachin Tendulkar’s comeback from injury will lift India in today’s opening one-day game against Sri Lanka.
“Sachin’s return is a positive sign for us. He’s hitting the ball really well,” Dravid said on the eve of the seven-match series.
India’s premier batsman has been sidelined for six months after undergoing surgery on his left elbow.
Tendulkar, 32, looks set to go in first with the explosive Virender Sehwag after the only other specialist opening batsman, Gautam Gambhir, was left out.
But Dravid warned against expecting too much too soon from Tendulkar.
“It’s always good to have a great player like him in the side (but) Sachin hasn’t played in a while and one needs to give him time to settle down,” said Dravid, 32, who was recently appointed captain in place of the axed Saurav Ganguly.
Nagpur is special for Dravid. His wife Vijeta, who gave birth to a son last week, hails from this central city.
Dravid, who has deputised for Ganguly in the past, said the job brought no extra pressure.
“I see it as a challenge,” he said. “There is expectation every time you play for India.
“It’s just a few more responsibilities being captain.” Dravid felt Sri Lanka had the psychological advantage, having defeated India in all three games while winning a tri-series at home in August.
Sri Lankan hopes received a big boost when all rounder Sanath Jayasuriya was declared fit. Captain Marvan Atapattu said the team’s most capped player would feature on today despite retiring with pain in his right arm while batting in a warm-up match on Saturday. The 36-year-old Jayasuriya collided with the team physiotherapist during a water polo game last week, hurting the shoulder he had dislocated while fielding in August.
Although Sri Lanka are ranked second in one-dayers, behind world champions Australia, and India are seventh, Atapattu predicted a close contest.
“We have very little experience of playing here and India have the home advantage,” he said.
Sri Lanka have not toured India since 1999 but coach Tom Moody sounded confident.
“We’re going into this game with all the components in place. The idea is to play to our strengths and execute our game plan over the seven matches,” said Moody.
“If you’re prepared to adapt, and adapt quickly, I think one should be able to play in any conditions.”
Vaughan Tells Team the
Party Has to Stop
In London, England captain Michael Vaughan has told his team the Ashes party must finally stop and instructed his players to concentrate on their demanding tour of Pakistan.
“It is important we get back to playing cricket and preparing well for this tour,” Vaughan told a news conference on the eve of the team’s departure for the sub-continent.
“We’ve had six weeks since the Ashes, which has been a bit of a roller coaster, and all the players now want to get a ball or a bat in the hand and play cricket.”
Vaughan said life had changed for the England team after their Ashes triumph over Australia this year.
“We have to make sure we get back to doing what we do best and that is playing cricket,” he said.
“The guys have to be up for the job because, as great as it is to relive the Ashes, you always have to look to your next challenge and that is Pakistan.
