KINGSTON (CMC):
INDIA'S COACH, Greg Chappell, has cautioned against overstating the success of the team's Test series triumph over the West Indies in the recent four-match rubber in the Caribbean.
The former Australia captain, who took over the team in May last year, said India still had improvements to make before they became a strong Test side.
"I have been in cricket for long to know that you can't overreact to anything. Good or bad. We shouldn't get carried away. We have a lot of work to do before we become a very good Test team," Chappell, who lashed 7110 runs for Australia in 87 Tests, told the Press Trust of India.
"England beat Australia in the Ashes last year and it took them five years to build that team. I don't know why there is expectation that we can do it in 60 minutes.
PROVING ONES SELF
"Playing good Test cricket takes 20 to 30 Test matches before a player really understands what Test cricket is all about."
India's 1-0 victory in the four-Test series was their first in the Caribbean since Ajit Wadekar led them to a similar 1-0 triumph back in 1971. Not highly regarded as great travellers, the victory was India's first significant victory outside of the Asian sub-
continent in 20 years.
Chappell was, however, optimistic over India's Test prospects overseas, pointing out that the young pace attack would help to garner success.
"We have won with three young fast bowlers and it's a credit. Along with Irfan Pathan, we have got four fast bowlers of variety which would help us to play under any condition, inside or outside India. I think we are better equipped than ever before," Chappell said.
