India has acclimatised to the Caribbean conditions and was well prepared for the World Cup, according to coach Greg Chappell who says the few days of break from the game has put the team in “good fettle” for the challenges ahead.
Chappell said the cricketers, with a huge burden of expectation on their shoulders, needed the break as much as they needed practice before the showpiece event here.
“We’ve have been doing practice, relaxing, we’ve been swimming, sailing, snorkelling - things you would expect to do in the West Indies”, he said.
“The guys have enjoyed just having a few days peace and quiet time before the tournament starts. So in a way that’s been good. It’s been a nice change of pace from the point of view of what happens on a normal tour, particularly in India where you are playing every three days”, he said.
Rahul Dravid’s men spent two weeks in the West Indies ahead of its opening match away from the media glare and the coach believes it helped the preparation.
“It has been a good preparation and it was a chance for us to get used to the conditions in a measured way, without having to rush anything.
“We’re in good fettle, both physically and mentally. The guys are ready and looking forward to the first game coming up. But that’s not till 17th and so we’ve got a few days to prepare between now and then,” the former Australian captain said.
Chappell also ruled out a big stage fright for the youngsters who would be playing in their first World Cup.
“It’s their first World Cup, so people talk about it. But it’s a cricket tournament and they have played cricket tournaments before. They are ready”, he said.
He was also happy that there was no injury concern for the team.
“We’re ready to go. Most of the niggles are gone, so that has just given us a chance to get ripe. That’s what this time was meant for and we’re looking forward to our first game.”
He was not worried about the newly laid pitches either.
“Whatever they are, we’ll have to bat as every other team will. Conditions will vary from venue to venue and that’s going to be part of the challenge for this series, as it is in any World Cup”, he said.
Chappell also had no complaint about Team India’s performance in the warm-up matches.
“I don’t think you can take anything from the results as such, but we got an opportunity for the bowlers to bowl and the batters to bat. Got used to some of the local conditions.”
When pointed out that India got easy wins in the warm-up matches, which did not really test the side, Chappell was visibly irked.
“People who want to find negatives can go ahead and find it but the players think differently and they are happy”, he shot back.