As a coach one can never be satisfied, says Wright

There is a section of the cricket loving public who feel that John Wright, the Indian coach, was not given enough credit for his part in the sensational victory in the second Test at Kolkata. Before the series began, it was clear that Wright was putting the lads through their paces in a more organised and severe manner than any coach had done in the past. Treating the big names and the newcomers alike, Wright first put into place a sensible routine for practice, fitness and indeed discipline. When India put up a less than spirited showing in the first Test against Australia at Mumbai once again doubts were raised. Was the decision to appoint a foreign coach the right one? Did the foreign coach know how to motivate the varied bunch of individuals who came together to form the Indian team?

When the Kiwi spoke to the press at Chennai the day before the final Test, a lot became clear. Both Steve Waugh and Sourav Ganguly appeared confident but betrayed some anxiety. The match starting tomorrow is a big one for both teams. Let's make no mistake about that. Even in that light, Wright was cool as the proverbial cucumber. "You have to have your feet firmly on the ground," began the Indian coach when asked whether the Indians had 'recovered' from the victory at Kolkata. "We played some very good cricket on the last three days. But we have not forgotten the second day, which was not good," continued Wright.

At the same time, Wright was not one to see too much in the victory, "The Australians will come back very hard at us. We have gained confidence from the last game, there's no doubt about that. But we have to start all over again," said Wright with a pragmatic air. The Kiwi has seen a fair bit more cricket, as a player and as a coach than many in this Indian team. Looking pensive, the former New Zealand skipper went back to his playing days, "Personally I've had a few hard experiences when I played for New Zealand. Getting carried away with the euphoria of a surprise victory is always a dangerous thing," warned Wright. "We've had a long chat about that this morning," he added quickly. The Indian coach was keen that a sense of complacency should not creep in.

Not wanting to sound too defensive either, Wright made a valid point, "We have a great opportunity here, but have to play very very good cricket in order to come out on top. We need to bat well in the first innings, and that is not something we've achieved so far in this series," he said. In the first Test at Mumbai, India managed just 178 in their first essay. Everyone remembers the 171 that they were dismissed for in Kolkata, after which they were asked to follow on. So clearly, Wright has identified batting in the first innings as a cause for concern.

Another area that the coach will be looking into is one that has been a bugbear with Indian teams over the ages - fielding. In the Test at Kolkata, Venkatesh Prasad dropped a sitter at covers when Matthew Hayden offered a chance. Later in the day, Sourav Ganguly at backward short leg floored a catch given by Steve Waugh. That is a mistake that teams usually pay dearly for. "I'm not concerned about the fielding but I certainly am not satisfied with it," said Wright. Going along on the same note he added, "I don't think satisfied is a good word for a coach," he said, giving an insight into his philosophy on man management. Stretching the principle to players Wright added, "In any basic skill, you should never be satisfied as a player. There is always room for improvement." And this is certainly not just big talk. "We've worked hard at our fielding and it will be good to see an improvement. In all areas really, I don't think you can be satisfied," concluded Wright.

After all, there is only this much a coach can do. Wright seems to be doing his bit. It's now up to the players to deliver the goods out in the middle.