Whatmore shows Ganguly support

3 October 2008

Dav Whatmore believes Sourav Ganguly can still perform at the highest level

India A coach Dav Whatmore has backed Sourav Ganguly, saying that the former India skipper still looks hungry for runs.

The 36-year-old Ganguly is at the centre of a raging debate on whether it is time to ease out the old guard that also comprises Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

Ganguly was included in the team announced for the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia but reports suggested that a 'voluntary retirement' deal had been struck with selectors.

Ganguly has denied those reports and chosen to focus on cricket.

The left-handed batsman has been included in the India A team which will take on New Zealand A in a match starting Friday and is hoping to get in some practise before the first Test against Australia which starts on October 9.

"He looked okay," said Whatmore who took charge of a net session in which Ganguly participated.

"But more importantly, he looked keen and hungry. That's what matters for a player like him at this stage."

"He, along with RP Singh, wanted some practice ahead of the Test series and we will try our best to give him that."

New Zealand A coach Dean Hadlee is delighted with Ganguly's inclusion in the A team.

"He's one of the greats of the game," Hadlee said. "It's a great opportunity for our young bowlers.

"They know that if they can get Ganguly out, that would be the biggest scalp of the tour."