Indians to stick to same opening pair

Mumbai, February 1: Encouraged by the rollicking start the pair had given in their last two outings, coach John Wright today said India would stick to the opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag for the sixth and final one-day international against England on Sunday.

After nets at the Wankhede stadium, Wright told reporters that Tendulkar and Sehwag have been getting runs and there was no move to change the opening pair.

About the Delhi tie, which India lost by two runs yesterday, Wright said it was a close match and he was not very upset with how the result went as it was anybody's game till the last ball was bowled.

Wright however, said he was "impressed by the Indian fielding particularly of youngsters Mohammed Kaif, Hemang Badani and Ajit Agarkar".

When asked about the wicket for Sunday's game, the coach said "the pitch looks good and the outfield is also lush with grass and all in all I am satisfied with the wicket".

Five of the seniors - Tendulkar, skipper Sourav Ganguly, Agarkar, Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath - did not attend the nets as they wanted a much needed rest before the big game.

He said Tendulkar, Ganguly and Agarkar needed to rest before the big game on Sunday, while Srinath and Kumble had to attend a function.

"I think this is a good opportunity for youngsters in the side to have a long practice session (batting and bowling) without the presence of the seniors," he added.