Indian test skipper Anil Kumble acknowledges that not having the one day captain M.S. Dhoni in the test series to be played against Sri Lanka will not hamper the Indian performance.
At the press conference held in Colombo, Kumble sounded optimistic about his test side. He said, “This would give an oppourtunity to both Dinesh Kartik and Parthiv Patel to prove themselves after their good show in domestic cricket”
Boasting about the Indian batting side Kumble said, “We have a very strong batting line-up here with our top order having amassed more than 30,000 runs and four of them have played more than 100 tests.”
Kumble also said, “We will definitely miss our regular wicketkeeper MS Dhoni”. 27 year old M.S Dhoni was not included in the test team as per his request as he needed a breather from the hectic schedule of the Asia Cup and the Indian premier League.
On being asked about Sri Lankan spin bowler Ajantha Mendis who wrecked India’s plans of winning the Asia Cup earlier this month Kumble said, “He is something we need to watch out for although we respect every bowler we face”. “Test cricket is different and we have the quality. In tests you get more time to figure out the bowler. It will be challenging, but I am sure our batsmen will cope”
Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lankan captain said that he was looking forward to face India as he has already has a double century against them. He also said that Sachin Tendulkar’s return will give the Indian batting line more depth.
Sri Lanka has a remarkable record at home and the new found spinning sensation, Mendis will ensure an exciting test series.
India will begin their test series on July 23 in Colombo.