'Few Scores To Settle With Kiwis'

Serving a warning to New Zealand ahead of their tour toIndia in September, Indian coach John Wright indicated that SauravGanguly's boys were keen to avenge the thrashing they received at the hands ofthe Kiwis during their last series.

"We have got a few scores to settle (with NewZealand). We are looking forward to it," Wright said in Bangalore on India'stwo Test series against New Zealand at home. Wright is here to assistSandeep Patil, coach of the India 'A' team, which is touring England from June 22to August three.

"Obviously, lead-up will be given. Sure, we willbe well prepared. I have to talk to the (BCCI) president (Jagmohan Dalmiya)about the lead-up programme along with the selectors. I am looking forward tothe lead-up progamme and playing programme," he said.

Pointing out that India had a good record at home,Wright said his team would work hard and be well prepared. "Obviously theboys had some time off (after the World Cup) and they should be hungry (for runsand taking wickets)".

On India's four Test series against Australia inDecember-January, Wright said "We are going to have to raise the level ofgame. We need to get results".

Asked how he felt when India take on New Zealand, the former Kiwi captainsaid, "My job is to coach India. My job is on behalf of the teamand people here to get results for India. That's the only way I have to thinkabout it".

Wright, however, cautioned theplayers against complacency and warned that lack of consistency could cost themtheir place as there were a number of "keen and hungry" youngsterswaiting to force their way into the national squad.

"We don't want players to rest on their laurels.So, you need to be performing consistently all the time... and it's importantfor the players who are playing for India to know that young and keen and hungryplayers will try and force themselves into the top side," Wright said.

Probed if there were "slots" for some of India'A' players in the top side, Wright said: "It always depends on theperformance of the incumbents. What I can say is that if there is a lot ofcompetition, it's good for Indian cricket."

Asked if he believed India 'A' players stood a chance tobreak into the senior side, which right now appeared well-set, he said"It's for the boys to create opportunities." He expressed hope thatthe coming England tour would offer a "broader view" for the selectorswhen they select the Indian team for the series against New Zealand.

On wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel, Wright said he had anoutstanding start to his career but now needed experience.

Regarding reports that Javagal Srinath was mullingretirement from Test cricket, Wright said it was the fast bowler's personaldecision.

"At the end of the day, Sri is big enough and oldenough to make the decisions himself", said he. 

PTI