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India's batting problems persist
 Birmingham, September 17: India were no closer to a solution to their batting problems despite making 311 for 8 against a local club -- Midlands -- in a practice match here yesterday. India, concerned with the form of Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, put the two among the first three in the batting order, but still there was no clinching evidence they were back to their best.
The Indians would have preferred Sehwag to get more than the 58 he managed in the middle against a mediocre bowling attack and, even though his runs were laced with three sixes and seven fours from a mere 47 deliveries, his side would have liked the out-of-form opener to spend more time in the middle. Yuvraj Singh came in at number three and made only four and there was also no clear-cut answer whether Rohan Gavaskar or Dinesh Kaarthik should be chosen for the number seven batting slot in the team in the match against Pakistan.
Gavaskar made 51 runs and Kaarthik scored 35 but there was little to choose between them. Ajit Agarkar (45) and Irfan Pathan (31) enjoyed some meaty hits off their bats. So poor was the opposition that it came in for some criticism from team manager Gautam Dasgupta, who termed it "unfortunate to get such disappointing opposition for practice before the all-important game on Sunday."
This is the second time a participating team has criticised the opponents of a practice game in the Champions Trophy. Earlier, Sri Lanka were not happy with the opposition they faced in a practice game. (Agencies)
Published: Friday, September 17, 2004
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