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Ganguly expects Tendulkar to shine

December 24, 2003 11:41 IST

India's captain Sourav Ganguly says Sachin Tendulkar is due to return to his dominant best in this week's third Test against Australia.

Tendulkar's imposing record as the game's fourth-leading run scorer includes 31 centuries in 109 Tests.

However, the 30-year-old looked out of touch in making nought, 37 and one in the opening two tests of the four-match series, which India lead 1-0.

"I can't remember Sachin going through a series without putting up a big score," Ganguly told a news conference on Wednesday ahead of the third Test which starts on Friday.

"It's good for us because these are the two crucial Test matches and if he fires, we will definitely be in a very, very good position."

Centuries from Ganguly and Vangipurappu Laxman and a 233 from Rahul Dravid have helped put India in a position to challenge Australia at home, where the hosts have not lost a Test series since the West Indies won 2-1 in 1992-93.

Last week's four-wicket win in the second test in Adelaide was India's first Test victory in Australia for 22 years, thanks largely to a 303-run stand between Dravid and Laxman.

Australia captain Steve Waugh said he was confident his side could overcome their poor start and win back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in what will be a farewell series for the retiring batsman, the game's most-capped player.

"Being one-down with two to go is something we're not used to," Waugh told a news conference.

BOWLING ATTACK

The 38-year-old gave a hint of his trademark determination when he spoke of the team's bowling attack without leading wicket-takers Glenn McGrath, who has an ankle injury, and suspended leg spinner Shane Warne.

"There has been a lot said about our great bowlers not being there," Waugh said.

"It's a great opportunity for the side to show what we're made of.

"We know we're not far off the mark. We've just got to probably improve 10 percent.

"The intensity is the key for us. If we are going to be pressuring the opposition we know we can force mistakes."

Ganguly added: "The key will be batting. Whichever side bats well in this Test will win.

"That's been the reason for us doing well in the past two Test matches.

"We know we are one-nil up in the series. We know very well if we don't turn up focused and if we don't play to the best of our ability it's going to be different over the next five days."


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