Anil Kumble hopeful that India can draw parity at Nagpur

http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2238/Anil-Kumble_1.jpg

Former India skipper and leggie Anil Kumble is hopeful that India can draw parity at Nagpur and prevent England from winning their first Test series in the country after a gap of 28 years when the fourth and final Airtel Test gets underway in the orange capital of the country from December 13. India has traditionally done well in Nagpur and they should focus their energies on winning the Test and ensuring that the series is drawn, he said.

Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of inauguration of Royal Challengers-KSCA Cricket Academy on the premises of Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management at Adyar near here on Monday, Anil said, "It is not fair to judge the Indian team by results in a couple of Test matches (Mumbai and Kolkata). Besides on must give due credit to England under Alistair Cook who have played well in Indian conditions," Anil noted.

"I am hopeful that India can still do well in Nagpur, a centre where they have done well in the past and draw level," Anil said adding that the hosts must ensure that the Anthony de Mello Trophy for which the two-sides are playing does not leave Indian shores. Incidentally, India has lost two consecutive Test matches in a series against England after a long time and England have put themselves in a position where they cannot lose the series.

Anil, honourary president, and Javagal Srinath, honourary secretary of KSCA however steadfastly dead batted all queries on Indian cricket teams' performance in the ongoing series against England or comment on questions pertaining to their former team mates including Sachin Tendulkar. Srinath nonchalantly swatted a question on all the fuss that the host team is making on preparation of pitches stating that the media needs something to write about.


Anil Kumble More stills


Keywords:Former India skipper , leggie Anil Kumble, Airtel Test,Nagpur , media persons,Royal Challengers,KSCA Cricket Academy,Sahyadri College of Engineering ,Alistair Cook , Anthony de Mello Trophy ,Indian shores, Javagal Srinath, honourary secretary of KSCA,Indian cricket teams,Sachin Tendulkar,Srinath ,cricket news,sports news