We need to get the basics right

Source: Hindustan Times     Date: September 18, 2004

It's India vs Pakistan time again, and despite the increased frequency of these matches, the novelty hasn't quite worn thin.

The two teams would be playing each other for the eighth time -- in a One-Day International -- in nine months, but the hype and media attention seems to be getting bigger and bigger with each match. In fact, I was told that the tickets were sold out within two hours of their going on sale.

There is always a zing in the air when the sub-continent's two top teams cross swords, and it will be no different when I go out for the toss with Inzamam-ul Haq. Inzy has had a good run with tosses and hopefully the law of averages will catch up with him and I will win the one on Sunday. T

here is always a temptation to put the opposition in, especially when the atmosphere is heavy and the ground has taken in a lot of rain water. But there are other factors to be considered. Much would depend on the condition of the wicket before the toss.

Our big problem is not the pitch or the toss, it's getting the right combination and doing the basics right. Cricket at this level is mostly played in the mind, especially so in a game as big as this one. Our game plan has revolved around our batting and I don't see why we should change it.

True, Sachin Tendulkar will be missed, but we have to cope with that blow. Others have to pitch in. With so much rain, both teams have been forced to practice indoors, which is not the ideal way to prepare for a match.

Fortunately for us Virender Sehwag, who has been going through a lean patch, got some runs in a practice match on Thursday as did Rohan Gavaskar. Viru still remains a key member of Team India and he knows how much the team relies on him to give us a good start.

Law of averages also says that it's time for Yuvraj Singh to come good. He is a fantastic young player who can turn any match on its head. The others have played a few knocks of substance, but the key will be putting it together to make it count.

Shoaib Malik has got a few runs in the last two games Pakistan have won against us. We can't afford a repeat performance from him. We have a few tricks up our sleeves and hopefully, we will make them work. We have a great record at Birmingham where we have won both our previous matches.

I am hoping we will be able to make that three-in-row on Sunday.