New-found pace attack a huge plus Sourav Ganguly has praised his pace bowlers for their role in India's fine run in the ongoing World Cup. In his column in Britain's The Daily Telegraph, the Indian captain wrote, "I have always taken the view that a captain is only as good as the players around him. In this tournament, I have been blessed with the strongest hand of pace bowlers India has ever fielded." He singled out Ashish Nehra, in particular, noting, "For me, Nehra has been the star of the show. He damaged his ankle in our opening game, and will need an operation after the tournament. But he has the biggest heart of any of our fast bowlers - he'll always run in for you, whether in the nets or in a match, even if he is in pain." Ganguly also shared his thoughts on India's semi-final, a day-nighter against Kenya in Durban. "There is no danger of us taking the Kenyans lightly, as they put up the sternest opposition we encountered during the Super Six stage. At the same time, though, I cannot deny that the team are dreaming of a World Cup final," the Indian skipper observed.

Time's right for India, says Wright Indian coach John Wright effectively dismissed Kenya's World Cup semi-final challenge on Tuesday by suggesting his players were destined to lift the trophy. Wright told a news-conference: "I feel their time is right." Asked if leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored a record 586 runs at almost a run a ball in the World Cup, was on course to become the player of the tournament, he observed: "He still has got two more games to play, two very important innings." .He has been a great leader for us in this tournament, along with some of our other senior players as well," Wright added. Victory against Kenya, whom they beat earlier in the tournament, will give India an eighth win in succession, matching their best run ever. Earlier in the news conference, Wright had said India should not be complacent about Kenya. "We shouldn't just expect to win by right, against any opposition we have to achieve our game plans. They are a useful side... they are competitive." The Indian coach went on to observe that consistency in selection had been a key to India's recent successes. "We have been a rather settled side and the selectors deserve credit for that. We have been coming together since March last year," he said. Kenya, who are seeking Test status, have beaten Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the World Cup. They have won only twice against India in 11 meetings.

Srinath to be appointed bowling coach? The Indian team-management has been asking for a bowling coach for quite some time now. And it looks like their wishes shall be granted immediately after the World Cup. According to a report in the Mumbai-based Mid-day newspaper, Javagal Srinath, if he were to retire at the end of the tournament as previously announced, would be drafted into the position. While refusing to confirm the speculation, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly said, .Sri keeps saying that he has no problem in delivering 10 overs or so in a match. But it.s the training schedule to keep himself fit to bowl with such fire that.s boring him. It.s tough for him to go through the rigorous schedule of international cricket for so long. I just can.t say anything right now..

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