Someone needs to step up: Dhoni
NAGPUR, Feb. 5: Barring uncertainty hanging over the fitness V.V.S. Laxman, preparations have gone according to plan for the first Test against South Africa here from Saturday, according to India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
"That’s the reason why we have a 16-member squad. Laxman had a net and he’ll tell the doctor on how he feels. Injuries do happen, it’s beyond our control. We will miss Rahul but nothing can be done about it. At the end of the day someone needs to step up. So we’re expecting the replacements who have to opportunity to prove themselves," said the India skipper addressing the media here on Friday.
Fielding could be the separating factor between the sides but Dhoni was confident of his fielders stepping up. "We are a good catching side and that’s what really matters in Test cricket. As far as ground fielding is concerned, they are definitely a better unit. At the end of the day it’s about bowling well and adapting and taking those half chances," he said.
The last Test here provided a series win against Australia. The pitch should assist the strengths of the hosts. "Looks like a normal flat Indian track. I expect it to turn as the game progresses and the spinners having a bigger role to play," added Dhoni.
On the openers having to take extra burden here, Dhoni said: "International cricket is a challenge, irrespective of where and whom you play. They have done well everywhere and there is no reason why they can’t continue in that vein."
South Africa have utilised every practice session with intent. Their failure to close out the series in 2008 has rankled them for long and this two-match set provides Graeme Smith an opportunity to set the record straight.
"It’s been a bit of a rushed build-up to the first Test. I think we have covered all our bases well. We have worked hard and we really want a win here, we really want to tick that box and we know it’s an awesome challenge," said Smith.
More than the depleted Indian side the conditions could test South Africa. The key is to adapt well and Smith underlined the importance of the team falling in line quickly. "We have got to be able to adapt our skills to the conditions we face but it is also important that we play our style of cricket. "We have seen the success that seam bowlers have had over here. I don’t think every team has a Muralitharan or a Warne around. Our guys have been able to perform their roles well," he said.
In regard to team selection, Smith said: "Paul Harris is the man with the mantle at the moment and I would think it has to take a lot for that to change."
AGE CORRESPONDENT
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