India, Pakistan set to spice up dull series

Digvijay Singh Deo CNN-IBN

Dhaka: India versus Pakistan: a cricketing rivalry that sets pulses racing anywhere in the world at any time. And in Dhaka on Tuesday the two teams will face off in the shadow of the high of the IPL. But India's coaching staff is hopeful that the IPL hangover is well and truly over.

The mood in the Indian camp is relaxed yet gung-ho about a battle with old rivals Pakistan. The weather gods haven't been kind but the management hasn't allowed it to dampen the spirits.
"There is no issue of motivation about the intensity the guys are going to play with. They know they are representing their country, it's a big game," coach Gary Kirsten says, dispelling murmurs of lack of commitment.

Virender Sehwag missed the practice session due to a light fever but he is expected to be fit and available for selection. The lack of experience isn't worrying the team too much. This is a building block after what the young guns achieved in Australia.

"There are still some senior players who are available to play One-day cricket for India, and certainly they are going to be considered. I think every team in the world needs to go through this transition, repairing," Kirsten adds.

Pakistan didn't break any sweat in thrashing the hosts and opted to have a rest day. They are on a 12-match winning streak and a young team is ready for India.

"We have won 11 (now 12) in a row which is a record for Pakistan, but we would like to take that much further. And hopefully with a win in this tournament it would be the ideal start," says Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson.

The advantage of having a young side is that they are fearless and they don't care too much about the opposition. Pakistan are on a hot streak and come into this match after having registered 12 successive wins on the trot. But India are keyed up and the stage is set for a classic before the final.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/india-pakistan-set-to-spice-up-dull-series/32067-13.html