Yuvi does the hard miles

The Indian team had an optional practice session ahead of the Compaq tri-series final, with Yuvraj Singh being the focus of coach Gary Kirsten’s attention. The big-hitting left-hander being one capable of turning the match even if India face the difficult task of chasing a challenging total under lights, the think-tank obviously wants him to start striking the ball well.

Yuvraj had a prolonged session at the nets which included not just facing the Indian and local Sri Lankan bowlers, but also tennis balls served by Kirsten with a racket. Not surprisingly, Kirsten was trying to keep them around the off stump, preparing him to react and judge well.

Yuvraj, along with opener Dinesh Karthik, has not managed a good knock in the middle, even though he has chipped in with the ball, taking three for 31 against New Zealand in the opening match. Scores of eight off 13 balls and 16 off 22, after all, have not been a very good start to a new season.

Praveen Kumar inspired himself to bowl a lively spell at the nets even as bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and fielding coach Robin Singh supplemented the efforts. Apart from Yuvraj, none of the players who played in the first two matches, turned up for practice, understandably so after back-to-back matches.