'We Have Few Plans Jotted Down'

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar dismissed suggestionsthat Indian batsmen did not cope well with short-pitched bowling and promisedsome "challenging cricket" in the Test and One-day series againstAustralia beginning next month.

After a masterly innings of 80 runs against Victoria onthe first day of the tour-opener in Melbourne, Tendulkar said, "Whateverhas happened in the past you cannot always go by that. One can always turnaround and start a new chapter."

His comments come amid talk among Australians that thestrong Indian batting line-up, specially Tendulkar, will be subjected toshort-pitched deliveries by the Australian quickies during the series.

Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones doubtedTendulkar's ability to handle short-pitched balls saying the little master had a"weakness in the top half of his body".

"I tell you what, they (Australians) are going tobe bouncing the hell out of him. They believe he has a weakness in the top halfof his body," Jones, a former Victorian great, was quoted as saying in themedia here.

"I don't want to discuss what people feel or say.We are more concerned about what we have on our mind. I think as a team we arereally geared up to go out and entertain people and play some challengingcricket," Tendulkar told reporters.

"We have a few plans jotted down for us. We haveset team goals and as a team we would like to achieve those," he said.

The two Indian openers, Virender Sehwag and SadgopanRamesh had contrasting fortunes at the MCG and Tendulkar played with a straightbat on the chances of these batsmen for the Test series.

"Sehwag is a very dangerous player. He can turnaround and play a big innings, even match-winning innings. He has done that inthe past and stroke-players like him are very exciting to watch. Let's hope wesee more of him on this tour," said Tendulkar.

"Ramesh has given himself a nice build-up for theseries with this innings. But I can't really comment if he would play in theTests. It is up to the coach and the captain to decide... I don't take part inthat." Tendulkar was modest about his brilliant two-hour innings againstthe Victorians saying the wicket had really eased up after lunch and the ballwas coming on to the bat.

"I thought initially the wicket was too slow. Itwas not coming on to the bat and one had to wait for the deliveries. After lunchit became a good strip to bat on and there were more opportunities to playshots."

Tendulkar also tried to downplay the fact that heplayed more hook shots than usual and hit bowlers on the up, straight down theground in a bid to prepare for the short-pitched attack which the Australiansare planning for him in the forthcoming series.

"It was all because the wicket had become betterafter lunch. I was letting go similar balls before lunch because the wicket hadnot dried up. After lunch, I just picked the line and length and that is thereason I played so many shots.

But Tendulkar admitted it felt good to fall into a groove so early in theseries.

"I think the outing (today) was very good. Ienjoyed it. I have fond memories of Melbourne where I got a hundred the lasttime I batted here. Hopefully, I will continue with this form and just do it outin the middle.

"We had some good domestic matches for theseason's build up. I'm now feeling in real good nick." On his personalgoals for the series, Tendulkar said he was only interested in going out anddoing his bit for the team and enjoy his cricket in the process.

"I don't know what is in store for me. I just wantto go out and enjoy my cricket. I don't want to think what I have to achieve andput any pressure on myself. But I hope the tour becomes a memorable one."

Tendulkar said he did not lack in motivation despitebeing a part of top flight cricket for 14 years.

"I have always loved this game. It has given meeverything. Whatever has happened to me in life is only because of cricket. I amvery grateful to the game.

PTI