Kolkata: Indian cricket coach John Wright on Tuesday expressed satisfaction with the team's performance in the just concluded tri-series in Bangladesh but said there was scope for improvement in the last two games.
"On the whole the tournament went on well excepting the last two games where things could have improved," Wright told newspersons after returning here from Dhaka earlier in the day. India finished joint winners, along with South Africa, in the tournament after the final was abandoned on Monday and the day before due to rains. In the two league games Wright referred to, India barely scraped past hosts Bangladesh by four wickets on Wednesday, before going down to South Africa by five wickets two days later. The New Zealander said the young side looked good for the future and singled out upcoming pacer Avishkar Salvi for special praise. "He is a very good prospect. He has got a bit of pace and it is encouraging to see a young bowler with such a good height and action," Wright said. Asked whether Salvi was the right man to replace veteran speedster Javagal Srinath, Wright said, "It is a bit early to pass such a judgement but he indeed looks very promising." Wright also lauded skipper Saurav Ganguly for his leadership quality and batting in the tri-series. Wright said the Indian side in Bangladesh was a good amalgam of youth and experience. "It had some newcomers, who had done well for the 'A' side. But it also included eight or nine players who played in the recent World Cup. In all, the tournament will help the Board to prepare a team for the future," he said. Wright also had some good words for the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) stress on frequent international exposure for the 'A' side. "It is a great exercise to bridge the gap between playing domestic tournaments and getting into the international arena," he said. Queried about his scheduled meeting with BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, Wright said, "I am not empowered to speak on it." Pressed further, he said, "My contract was over on May 24. But I enjoy good relations with India and the Board. Let's see, where it leads to."
Extras:What can I say, the final wasn't even played: Ganguly
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