'Rahul Dravid is a great coach and mentor'

Chennai, Aug 6: India 'A' skipper Unmukt Chand today hinted that the team management may field three spinners here on a turning track for tomorrow's tri-series One-day cricket match against Australia 'A'.

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"Yes, we might (field three spinners) as you know the ball is turning a bit. Moreover, these wickets have been used for the four-day games and also yesterday. The wicket seems to be dry," Unmukt said at the pre-match press conference.

"We may go with a couple of spinners and we have a good blend of seamers as well. We plan to mix it up," he added.

Heaping praise on coach Rahul Dravid, Unmukt said he helps the team in implementing the dressing room strategies on the field.

"He has been with Rajasthan Royals for so long. I have also played under him. He is a great coach and mentor. We have learnt a lot from him and are still learning. He is really encouraging and his opinions matter. He is also a good listener and helps us to get our decisions applied on the field," concluded Unmukt.

On whether he would like to use Sanju Samson as a top order batsman or as a finisher in the match tomorrow, Unmukt said: "It depends on the team strategy. Sanju has really done well in the top order. So, that we will see tomorrow but of course he will be keeping the wicket tomorrow. Everyone in the team is perfectly fine and fit."

Unmukt said he was banking on his batsmen to fire in unison against the visitors. "Our line-up has really good five-six batsmen. Also Axar (Patel), Rishi (Dhawan) and Karn (Sharma) can come quite handy with the bat. I think we have got a good batting line-up, which could go till the last. We are really banking on our batting," he insisted.

Asked what would he opt for if he wins the toss, the captain said: "It depends on the wicket. In dry conditions, batting first makes sense. We are ready for anything. We have played a lot of cricket in these conditions and are used to it. It is not a problem even to chase. We have an experienced batting line-up."

Unmukt expressed confidence of coming good against the Aussies, although the team from Down Under has acclimatised well to the conditions here.

"Of course, they have got a good side. They have been playing here for quite some time. They are well acclimatised to the conditions. At the the same time, we are no less.

"We are not totally alien to each other as we have been playing together for 2-3 years. Seven-eight of us have played for the country. Ours is an experienced side."

PTI