There is no reason why we cannot win, says Steve Waugh
Speaking at a press conference after the 15-member team's arrival from Melbourne tonight, Waugh said "we are geared up to play on any sort of pitches
14-Feb-2001
Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh said in Mumbai on Wednesday
that he was not concerned about pitches in India as "we have made
winning a habit."
Steve Waugh : We Can Win Photo Paul McGregor |
Speaking at a press conference after the 15-member team's arrival from
Melbourne tonight, Waugh said "we are geared up to play on any sort
of pitches. We have thought of a plan and we can play according to it.
There is no reason why we cannot win here," he said.
On the CBI decision not to question his brother Mark in the matchfixing controversy, Steve said "we are all relieved. We have come here
to play good cricket and we can put all the controversies behind us
and concentrate on the game.
"We have two warm-up matches before the first Test and we will like
to be acclimatised to the Indian conditions as seven of our teammates
have not played in India, though all of us have played against India
in Australia," he said.
On Anil Kumble's absence, Steve Waugh said "it is very unfortunate
that he will be missing a big series and I only hope other youngsters
will fill his place.
"In the very first Test, we will like to stick to our plans and try
to wrest the initiative. I will be happy if we can win the series 1-0
or 2-1," Steve said.
The Australians during their 52-day tour will play three Tests and
five one-day internationals besides three three-day matches.
"It will be a tough series because the conditions are different and
Australia has not won a series in India for the past 30-odd years,"
said Australian vice-captain and wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. "If we
had visited India more often we could have had more wins," he said.
Gilchrist said winning 15 Test matches in a row was a good feeling
and, "we want to make this a habit and our main aim is to win the
series in India."
Asked about Brett Lee's absence, Waugh said "it is unfortunate that
he got injured at the wrong time. However, it is a great opportunity
for the other fast bowlers. Leg spinner Shane Warne was not fully fit
when we toured last time around. But now he has recovered completely
and is totally fit. This could make a big difference to the outcome of
the series."