‘We need to win this one’

By V. Balaji

Galle

July 30: Indian skipper Anil Kumble presented a picture of composure ahead of the second Test at the Galle International Stadium here on Wednesday. It is important for the captain to lead from the front after the first Test rout, and Kumble was realistic in his assessment: "One down is one down whether you’re in Australia or Sri Lanka. It’s a matter of regrouping and we have spent quality time discussing issues, how to cope and how to come back. It is almost the same bunch that did so well not very long back in Australia and picked admirably well after losing the first two Tests.

"We’ve done that in the past, with the same set of players," Kumble pointed out. "There is definitely a lot of resilience and experience in this team and we will fall back on that to try and put up a better show and get the right result here."

Kumble indicated the batting order would remain the same and also expected them to sort out Ajantha Mendis quickly. "We are not really looking at any change at the moment. I have complete faith in my team and the batting line-up that we have. We will be definitely more positive as we need to win this match," said Kumble.

The approach of the side had come in for some criticism but Kumble maintained the track, weather or toss will have little bearing with the approach here. "We’d like to go and get a good score. Then we have the quality in spin to come into the game."

The bowlers cannot afford to have another poor match as the pitch here looks like assisting spin and also provide support for the medium pacers early on. At the SSC the bowlers failed on a flat track but here they should have no complaints.

Kumble agreed it was just not the batting that was to blame for the defeat. All three departments were disappointing. "We need to put that disappointment behind us and look ahead. We always knew it was not going to be easy coming to Sri Lanka and doing well. We’re up for it. The preparation over the last four days has been really good and we are really keen to go out and there prove that we can do better."