Indian Test captain Anil Kumble on Monday endorsed his ODI counterpart Mahendra Singh Dhoni's view that back-to-back matches are taking a toll on the

Bangalore:

"It's never easy to play back-to-back one-day games," Kumble told reporters when his reaction was sought on Dhoni's comments.

"I have done that in my (one-day) career. It's quite tough and demanding on the players," he said on the last day of a week-long camp here for Test specialists as part of the preparations for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.

Dhoni on Saturday lambasted the gruelling Asia Cup schedule after his side swamped Bangladesh by seven wickets to record their third successive win in the competition in Karachi.

Dhoni had said: "We have spent 36 hours playing cricket out of the 84 hours we have been in Karachi. It is too tight. I am not happy with the schedule. Two teams have to play back to back matches while two have got a day off."

He also said that his players were tired after the matches. "It was tough out there for us".

Meanwhile, on the umpire referral system, Kumble declined to pass a judgement for now, saying the system can be analysed only when it is put to use.

"It's in experimental stage. We have to look at it in Sri Lanka," he said.

But he rejected suggestions that the system would lead to teams failing to bowl the mandatory 90 overs in a day in Test matches owing to time delays.

In such situations, captains would have to move things quickly (to make for time loss) and ensure that daily quota is completed. In the last six months, he had no problem in ensuring that 90 overs were bowled in a day.

"I don't think it (the new system) will stop us doing that (completing 90 overs in a day)," Kumble said.

He also said the Indian side never goes into any series keeping in mind where it would stand in the ICC Test ranking after the tour.

"I don't think any new competition will make us better; make us more passionate about the game."

The newest addition to India's spin bowling armoury, left-armer Pragyan Ojha

Karachi: The newest addition to India's spin bowling armoury, left-armer Pragyan Ojha credits Test captain Anil Kumble for helping him learn the tricks of the trade and fine tune his game.

"Obviously it helps a lot if you are playing with experienced bowlers like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. I have not had a chance to speak to 'Bhaji' but I have been in touch with Anil brother and he has been very helpful to me," Ojha told reporters after a net session Monday.

Ojha, who made his ODI debut against Bangladesh on Saturday, said he had got tips from Kumble who had given him a lot of guidance. "His advice has helped me a lot and it is good to learn from experienced players like him," he said.

Ojha, who had a decent show in the Indian Premier League, didn't agree that the Twenty20 competition was the main reason behind his selection in the Indian team for the Asia Cup.

"No, it has all come together. It is very important to also play and perform in Ranji trophy, Deodhar trophy and the Challenger trophy. I think playing in all these events including the IPL has brought me forward," he said.

The young spinner who impressed on his debut against Bangladesh said he was prepared to the challenges of bowling to sub-continental batsmen who play spin well.

"My only ambition is to play for my country and do well. There is pressure, no doubt, but I can take it. Playing in the Asia Cup against batsmen who are used to playing spinners is a challenge but I have accepted it," he said.

"My first match was a good one and I just want to continue the same way whenever I get a chance to play," he added.

Ojha said he was sticking to the basics and not working on special deliveries or tactics for Twenty20 and one-day cricket. "I am just trying to stick to the basics like working on my flight and keeping a good length consistently."

Meanwhile, only three Indian players opted to use the optional practice session with the Pathan brothers and Ojha coming to the nets.

Irfan, who missed the first three games of the Asia Cup because of a side strain, bowled around six to seven overs in the nets before he picked up the bat under the guidance of the team physiotherapist.

India posts record Asia Cup score

India posts record Asia Cup score

AP

Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:26:07 PM

© Getty Images

Karachi: Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina hit centuries and led India to a 256-run victory against inexperienced Hong Kong in the Asia Cup on Wednesday.

India posted the Asia Cup's biggest ever score of 374-4 off 50 overs and then bowled Hong Kong for 118 in 36.5 overs. Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 109 off 96 balls while left-handed Raina entertained with his maiden century, 101 off just 68 deliveries.

The Indian skipper also featured in three stumpings behind the wickets off legspinner Piyush Chawla, who took 4-23.