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We have to practice winning: Chappell

July 29, 2005 16:13 IST

India coach Greg Chappell has warned his team not to take an under-strength West Indies team lightly in the triangular series starting on Saturday.

Chappell says his team are excited by their imminent return to international cricket after a three-month break.

"There is a limit to how much training you can do and there is a bit of excitement around that we are getting back into it at last," Chappell told reporters as the team applied the finishing touches to their preparations.

India play the tournament hosts on Saturday and West Indies on Sunday in day-night games at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Sri Lanka, the second-ranked one-day team in the world, will pose a stiff challenge on their home turf but West Indies are without 10 leading players, including batsman Brian Lara.

Chappell, however, is anxious that his players, still rusty after their break, do not underestimate Shivnarine Chanderpaul's young team.

"Everyone who is playing cricket at this level is a good cricketer," Chappell said.

"I have been in teams where we have taken opposition lightly and we have paid the penalty -- we cannot afford to take anyone lightly and we won't do," he added.

"We have to practice winning and if we are playing teams that we think we should beat then we have to beat them and we have to beat them well."

India's top order failed to fire during their two warm-up games this week, although wicketkeeper MS Dhoni looked in good touch with two fine half centuries.

Chappell, however, is not worried by the lack of runs.

"I am not overly concerned by anything at the moment -- we can better in all areas but there is nothing specific that concerns us greatly," he said.

India will have a new-look batting order as Sachin Tendulkar is injured and Saurav Ganguly will miss the first half of the tournament due to a four-match ICC ban.

Dhoni could open with Virender Sehwag, an explosive opening partnership, or the more experienced VVS Laxman could be promoted.

"We have a combination in mind but we have not finalised any team at this stage," Chappell said.

Source: REUTERS
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