Show hunger and hit the nets on off day If team India, after the relatively comfortable victory in Dhaka, wanted a few days off, they couldn’t have chosen a better venue than this port city. But coach John Wright had other ideas for his boys and instead of bumming around at the beaches, everyone — including Sourav Ganguly, recovering from a bout of fever — hit the nets, not prepared to rest on their laurels.The team clearly has its focus on the second Test, which is just as well given that Wright was not entirely happy with the performance in Dhaka. In fact, after the nets, when asked if there were areas for concern, Wright told reporters, ‘‘There are. When we had them (Bangladesh) down at 50 for 5, we should have nailed them. We did not quite have the intensity, which is essential whether you are playing Australia or Bangladesh.’’ He didn’t stop there: ‘‘It’s a matter of setting a standard for yourself. Important that you never fall into a comfort zone.’’ Today’s workout, though, had him flashing a wide grin. ‘‘Everybody turned up, even when they had an option not to. So that is very good news. We have the hunger,’’ noted the coach. The easiest thing for the Indians would have been to switch off, but just like in Dhaka after the win, the team trained instead. And after the session at the nets against eager to impress local bowlers, the Indians chose not to play their favourite game of volleyball, unlike the Bangladesh team at the other end of the ground who enjoyed their football. And, strangely, there was a lot more chatter and laughter from the home camp than from the visitors who appeared more focussed and goal-oriented. Wright, meanwhile, declared that there will be no change for the second Test. ‘‘Why should we distribute the India caps?’’ he asked. ‘‘They have to be earned. Everyone wants to play and so that is a very good sign. Most importantly, the batsmen want to play.’’ Gagandeep Singh and Shib Shankar Paul, however, earned a verbal pat from Wright. Along with Mohammad Kaif and Murali Kartik, the two rookie pacers put up a spirited show. ‘‘The two young quicks have talent and that’s good for the team. They have good work ethic as well. As they learn about being with the Indian team, they will only get better,’’ Wright said. One thing the slightly rotund Paul would definitely have learnt from the Bangladesh tour and being with Wright is to jog around cricket grounds to increase his stamina. As on most days through the tour, the Bengal fast bowler was asked by the coach to get started, and today, it was for 20 rounds. That it’s all making sense was evident as Paul did manage the task, and when he collapsed afterwards, it was with a smile on his face.
