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Executing plans in India a challenge: Fleming

By Sirshendu Panth
September 24, 2003 21:26 IST
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New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming says his team has come to India fully prepared, but executing plans in the tough subcontinent conditions would be the real challenge.

"We have a lot of plans... a lot of things in mind for a number of players. But the most important part in India is executing those plans," Fleming told newspersons at Visakhapatnam.

Stephen FlemingDescribing the Indian tour as tougher than those in the West Indies and Sri Lanka, where his team did well, Fleming said, "India have three of four top batsmen in the world. They also have a very good spin attack. That's where the challenge lies."

Stressing that wickets would play a crucial role in the coming battles, Fleming said generally spin bowlers get assistance from Indian tracks while the pacers have to do it the hard way.

"I am not saying that we're not talented, but we have to play extremely well to put it across India in the coming series," he said.

New Zealand are slated to play two Tests in Ahmedabad and Mohali next month before taking part in a triangular series, which involves Australia as the third side.

Reiterating that his side has prepared well for the tour, Fleming said his men are keen to get themselves attuned to the conditions from the two warm-up matches, against the Board President's XI and India 'A'.

Asked how the Kiwis plan to use their two spinners, Daniel Vettori and Paul Wiseman, on Indian wickets, which generally assist spinners, Fleming said, "Daniel is the more experienced bowler, while Paul has developed his skills and is also now turning the ball well.

"They have got different roles to play and we will make full use of their skills."

Fleming referred to the duo's fine performance on the Sri Lanka tour earlier this year.

"Like our batsmen who played well, the spinners also did a good job. Thanks to their efforts we stopped Sri Lanka's fine run of nine back-to-back wins on home soil," he said.

The New Zealand skipper said the pre-tour visit of coach Ashley Ross and his video analysis of the Indian players during the Irani Trophy final in Chennai also helped his side's build up for the series.

"At least it helped us know what we will be in for in India," he added.

The 30-year-old Fleming, who was born on April Fools' Day, said that his men are in fine spirits and enjoying their stay in the eastern coastal city.

He said he would rotate his fast bowlers in order to find the right combination for the Tests.

"There are places up for grabs in the side."

The New Zealand skipper, who has amassed 4671 runs in 75 Tests, striking five hundreds and 34 fifties, said the presence of psychologist Gilbert Enoka was a big help for his team on the tour.

"It helps us in getting rid of negative thinking. For example, no team is going to win by mourning and groaning and complaining about the nature of wickets in India.

"The presence of a psychologist is a big help in this regard.

"Our main aim is to give our best on this tour and prepare for all conditions," he said.

"We need to gear up in every way as a top side like Australia is coming for the tri-series," he added.

However, he said he would not be surprised to see bouncy wickets in India as such pitches would help the Sourav Ganguly-led team shape-up well for the Australia tour towards the end of this year.

He said the absence of Shane Bond and Chris Cairns would be felt though it provides a chance to some new players to prove their mettle.

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Sirshendu Panth
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