Rajput claims India down but not out of series

Melbourne, Dec 30 (UNI) If Team India's assistant coach, Lalchand Rajput is to be believed, then the 337-run loss at the hands of Australia in the opening Test at the MCG has not shattered the team's confidence and they will come out with more effective strategies in the second Test at Sydney next month.

''We need to change our mindset. We have a few strategies and you can expect a better showing in Sydney'' Rajput said.

''The Australians are usually one up on the mind-games and we need to make sure we avoid the same mistakes in the next Test.'' He also said that the team management should refrain from making too many immediate changes in the squad. ''It's a one-off Test and it's not the time for drastic changes.'' Not many changes are expected in the playing XI but the final decision will be taken once the team have a look at the SCG pitch.

The coach further added that the batsmen could not cope with the pressure applied by the Aussie bowlers and succumbed to it. He said the batsmen should break the shackles and need to come out of their defensive modes.

''We were a bit too defensive during some phases. We are looking to work on our batting approach, our intensity on the field and our running between the wickets. Everyone knows there is a problem about taking singles and rotating strike. We have to be hard on them in that aspect,'' he said.

There was no practice scheduled for today and tomorrow and the side was only planning a few informal meetings to work on the mental side of the game.

India will now take on Australia at Sydney in the second Test of the four-Test series from January 2-6.

UNI