Batting meastro Sachin Tendulkar's recent success at number four notwithstanding, he could stillbe opening the innings in one-day internationals, according to coach John Wright.
"There is no reason why Tendulkar can't open the batting again, he might want to open at some stage, we might think itis a good idea for him to open," Wright said in an exclusive interview.
Tendulkar moved to number four against the West Indies recently and made an immediate impact with amatch-winning knock of 65 in the final one-dayer at Trinidad.
Now, in the ongoing NatWest triangular series, he cracked a breathtaking hundred against England at Chester-le-Streetlast Thursday.
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But Wright wants to take his time to be absolutely sure it has been the right decision in the team's interest.
"We are still working on that area to make sure it works. We have still got a few games to play to be absolutely surethat's the best thing," Wright said, underlining the team's new philosophy to be flexible in the limited overs genre ofcricket.
Wright revealed that Tendulkar as well as Rahul Dravid, on his added responsibilty of a wicket keeper, had themselvesoffered to take the new roles in the team's interest.
Both were keen to fulfil a role that may help the team become better and they made the decision which makes life alot more easier, Wright said.
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"I think in our batting order we need players who are flexible, who can play certain roles for the team. I thinkflexibility is important."
"I try and stress you have got to play a role for the team, so if a team needs for you to play in a certain way, youhave to identify what the team needs and plan to go accordingly," he explained.
"That is something we are trying to get better at and work harder at. The game can change so quickly in one-daycricket that you have got to sometime think on your feet."
Wright was pleased with India's young pace attack. With only Ajit Agarkar having some sort of experience in playing in theseconditions, Wright said the seamers knew exactly what the team needed from them.
"I think everyone in the world knows that the first 15 overs is like the last 10, I am happy at the way they havebowled at the death,", Wright said.
"Change of pace is critical, you have got to be able to bowl the slower ball and they are very natural at it. Ajit(Agarkar) has been very good and the other boys are learning how to work on a batsman."
Having praised his fast bowlers, Wright proceeded to look at them individually.
"Zaheer is quicker than Ashish (Nehra). He is learning to bring it back a bit while Ashish is the whippier of the two. He has got lovelywrists, is very loose-limbed and he can swing it. He is a very natural bowler".
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"I am pleased with Ajit and he has played a great role in the one-dayers. There are times when they get to him earlybut he has come back well," Wright said.
"Tinu (Yohannan) is exciting as well. He has to keep on developing, but he works very hard."
Wright was of the view that the presence of youngsters had given the team a lift, particularly in the fielding area. "I think we are aware it is necessary for us to be abetter fielding unit and better between the wickets. Fielding tells a lot about a side."
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Wright said the 'A' team tours in the last six months had been really valuable. Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif wentto South Africa and gained a lot from the tour.
"The team is getting the support we needed and we will get whatever we need (from the BCCI). Mr Dalmiya has been verygood in this respect. Adrian (le Roux) has come and made an immediate impact. It has allowed Andrew (Leipus) toconcentrate more specifically on his role," he said.
Wright said the team has also got inputs from India's cricketing greats from time to time and there could be apossibility they would look to have a specialist bowling consultant somewhere down the road.
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"From my perspective, sometimes in seeking extra advice, it is good to bring in people like Bishan (SinghBedi), (EAS) Prasanna or Sunil (Gavaskar) from time to time".
"I like the players to go and talk to other players. There are times when you don't have all the knowledgeyourself," he said.
PTI
