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Sehwag wants middle-order slot in Tests


August 19, 2003 16:25 IST

Virender Sehwag, who has been opening the Indian innings since last season, is keen to revert to the middle order in the longer version of the game, saying his game is more suited to that position.

But the dashing batsman was in no hurry to make the shift nor has he approached the team management as the present batting line up is "doing a good job".

Virender Sehwag"So far I have not spoken about this desire (to bat in the middle order) with the team management as the present batting line-up is doing a good job and I do not want to disturb it," he said.

"As and when a slot opens in the middle order, I will stake my claim," Sehwag told reporters in Bangalore on Tuesday.

Sehwag, who shot into limelight with his explosive strokeplay in the one-dayers, said India were determined to blank New Zealand in the upcoming two-Test series.

"I am very much looking forward to the New Zealand series. They beat us 2-0, and hope we will beat them 2-0 in Test matches. We are really looking forward to beat them 2-0," he said.

On his recent county stint in England, Sehwag said his main emphasis was on trying to stay at the wicket for longer durations.

Sehwag said he had not curbed his natural strokeplay but was making a serious effort to compile more runs by staying at the wicket longer.

"It's very important to have the staying power in Test cricket and to see off the good spells," he said.

The 24-year-old Delhi player said he used to attack from the word go earlier, which got him quick runs, but at the same time it also cost him his wicket on many occasions.

He said his stint with Leicestershire was a great learning process. "County sides depend a lot on the performance of overseas players in view of their international experience, which puts them under some pressure to deliver. Nevertheless, it was a good experience as it was a new team and I played with new players."

Asked about his injury, Sehwag said he is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme and is being treated by team physio Andrew Leipus.

"It is much better now and I am confident of being fully fit before the series."

On the poor stints of team mates Yuvraj Singh (Yorkshire) and Mohammad Kaif (Derbyshire), he said the wickets on which they were playing were not good.

"The ball keeps low on tracks which are bouncy. Their performance could be attributed to poor wickets. If the wickets are good, they are very good players and I hope they score runs," he said.

Sehwag, who is among the 36 Indian team probables taking part in the ongoing conditioning camp in Bangalore, said the fitness-specific camp is going on very well and  "we are happy about it".


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