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Tough first match good for India: Azharuddin

Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin is looking forward to a tough opening match against South Africa bringing out the best in his team early in the cricket World Cup.

"We expect to do well. We have come here to do well,'' Azharuddin said after practicing in bright sunlight at the Sussex county cricket ground in southern England today. Azharuddin described the the pitch as "a good batting wicket (with) lot of runs".

Tomorrow's India-South Africa group a match follows the England-Sri lanka match that opened the 12-nation championships today. Zimbabwe takes on Kenya on the same day in Taunton, southwest England.

"We have come here with a positive attitude. The first game is very important for us. The boys are very keen,'' Azharuddin said.

South Africa and India have met only once, in World Cup in 1992, which the Proteas won by six wickets.

AP