Tendulkar could still open: Wright

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar's recent success at number four notwithstanding, he could still be opening the innings in one-day internationals, according to coach John Wright.

"There is no reason why Tendulkar can't open the batting again; he might want to open at some stage, we might think it is a good idea for him to open," said Wright.

Tendulkar moved to number four against the West Indies in the Caribbean recently and made an immediate impact with a match-winning knock of 65 in the final one-dayer at Trinidad. Now, in the ongoing NatWest triangular series, he hit a breathtaking hundred against England at Chester-le-Street last Thursday.

But Wright wants to take his time to be absolutely sure it is the right decision, in the team's interest.

"We are still working at that area to make sure it works. We have still got a few games to play to be absolutely sure that's the best thing," Wright said, underlining the team's new philosophy to be flexible in the limited overs genre of the game.

Wright revealed that Tendulkar as well as Rahul Dravid, on his added responsibility of a wicketkeeper, had themselves offered to take the new roles in the team's interest.

Both were keen to fulfill a role that may help the team become better and they made the decision which makes life a lot more easier, Wright said.

"I think in our batting order we need players who are flexible, who can play certain roles for the team. I think flexibility is important."

"I try and stress you have got to play a role for the team; so if a team needs for you to play in a certain way, you have to identify what the team needs and plan to go accordingly," he explained.

"That is something we are trying to get better at and work harder at. The game can change so quickly in one-day cricket that you have got to sometimes think on your feet."

Wright was pleased India's young pace attack - only Ajit Agarkar having some sort of experience in playing in these conditions- knows exactly what the team needs from them.

"I think everyone in the world knows that the first 15 overs is like the last 10, I am happy at the way they have bowled at the death," Wright said.

"Change of pace is critical, you have got to be able to bowl slower ball and they are very natural at it. Ajit (Agarkar) has been very good and the other boys are learning how to work on a batsman."

Wright, having praised his fast bowlers, proceeded to look at them individually.

Speaking of the two left-armers, he said: "Zaheer is quicker than Ashish (Nehra). He is learning to bring it back a bit while Ashish is the whippier of the two. He has got lovely wrists, is very loose-limbed and he can swing it. He is a natural."

"I am pleased with Ajit and he has played a great role in the one-dayers. There are times when they get to him early but he has come back well," Wright said.

"Tinu (Yohannan) is exciting as well. He has to keep on developing, but he works very hard."

Wright was of the view that the presence of youngsters had given the team a lift, particularly in the fielding area.

"I think we are aware it is necessary for us to be a better fielding unit and better between the wickets. Fielding tells a lot about a side."

Wright said the 'A' team tours in the last six months have been really valuable. Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif went to South Africa and have gained a lot from the tour.

"The team is getting the support we needed and we will get whatever we need (from the BCCI). Mr Dalmiya has been very good in this respect. Adrian LeRoux has come and made an immediate impact. It has allowed Andrew (Leipus) to concentrate more specifically on his role," he said.

Wright said the team has also got inputs from India's cricketing greats from to time and there could be a possibility they would look to have a specialist bowling consultant somewhere down the road.

"From my perspective, sometimes in seeking extra advice, it is good to bring in people like Bishan (Singh Bedi), (EAS) Prasanna or Sunil (Gavaskar) from time to time."

"I like the players to go and talk to other players. There are times when you don't have all the knowledge yourself," he said.

(c) Copyright 2002 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.