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Post Card from India: `Even more motivated than before'
Hansie Cronje - 1 March 2000
After successfully getting through the first half of our mission
in India, the team is even more motivated than before the first
test. All members of the touring party actually believe that we
can be the first team to beat India in a series at home for 14
years. That is what we worked for and that will be the focus for
the next five days. Anil Kumble has already proved that he is a
high quality bowler and combining with the batting of the little
Indian captain, Sachin, they certainly make them a tough team to
beat at home. The return of Azhar will no doubt give them a lift
and increase the depth in their batting line-up. We played
against Azhar in the President XI match and had a brief look at
his technique, which will be handy come Thursday.
What's been interesting to me is the way Gary Kirsten is going
about batting over here. I believe he is still as hungry as ever
and would no doubt set his sights on getting the magical three
figures. The longer he bats the greater the advantage for us with
the left/right hand combination.
Selection will also be interesting with Cullinan back to full
fitness and both Dippenaar and Hayward pushing for a place in the
starting line-up. It all proves to be a healthy situation for us.
Hope to write some more after the 2nd test.
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