India has ammunition to counter WACA challenge: Kumble

Perth, Jan 15 (UNI) India captain Anil Kumble today shrugged off the hype over the WACA pitch and said his side has enough quality and experience to counter the challenge.

''Sure there is bounce and pace for the bowlers but we have the quality and experience,'' he said.

''It does take some time to get used to this sort of pitch but it's more mental than in the middle. It's important we make a good beginning in the first innings.'' '' It's about getting the runs, we have the quality and it's important we come back and keep the series alive by getting the (remaining) two Tests under the belt,'' he added.

Highlighting that three of India's batsmen have played more than 100 Tests already and VVS Laxman likely to reach the milestone soon, Kumble said they had the variety to adjust in different conditions.

''It's about getting into a right mindset and we have done that,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Kumble admitted that Virender Sehwag is likely to open instead of Dravid who will come in number three and VVS Laxman will bat at his usual position at number six.

Of the current batch only Sachin Tendulkar has played a Test on this ground.

''Sehwag would come in. It would be a regular batting order, the quality of Rahul Dravid at number three again. It would mean shifting the batting order a bit but that's been for a long time.'' Praising Gary Kirsten, the coach-in-waiting, who spent a couple of days with the team members Kumble felt he had passed on some valuable advice.

''He was a great opening batsman, has played here before and has been useful in passing on his tips. It's good to have him around.'' However, Kumble said It's not just the batsmen, but bowlers too who would need to adjust to the windy conditions.

''It's a unique situation here and it appears for the moment that I would be mostly bowling against the winds,'' Kumble said.

''But I believe the first two days are hot and not much breeze around. Still, it is up to the bowlers to lift their game,'' he concluded.

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