TRINIDAD: CRICKET - India have begun preparing to face debutants Bermuda following their shock World Cup defeat against Bangladesh

India will have no time to ponder their shock World Cup defeat against Bangladesh when they face debutants Bermuda in a must-win Group B clash on Monday. Rated among title contenders, the 1983 champions will have barely 48 hours to shake off the effects of Saturday's five-wicket loss to Bangladesh after their embarrassing batting. They are now one defeat away from making a first-round exit and joining sub-continent compatriots Pakistan on the sidelines. The toughest first-round group has now turned into a three-horse race with India also needing to win their final group clash against Sri Lanka to take one of the two qualifying spots for the Super Eights. Their meeting against group favourites Sri Lanka on March 23 would be a virtual semi-final if they get past Bermuda unscathed. India coach Greg Chappell conceded that his players faced a tough job to bounce back from the defeat, which has brightened Bangladesh's qualifying hopes. "It was disappointing, I wouldn't be much harsher than that," said Chappell about his team's defeat by Bangladesh. "Bangladesh played very well, they are a young side with some talent and enthusiasm, and I thought they bowled and fielded very well and they batted with some courage and some flair. They were too good for us on the day, the day we didn't really want to have to start the tournament, but it's happened and we have to deal with it," said Chappell. Explosive opener Virender Sehwag could face the axe after scoring just two runs against Bangladesh, failing to shake off his prolonged form slump. Former India players have called for Sehwag to be dropped and the team management will be under pressure despite the 28-year-old batsman's ability to provide quick starts. Dravid may also need to re-think his toss plan after the decision to bat first against Bangladesh backfired on a pitch that afforded early seam movement due to the 0930 (1330 GMT) start. Sri Lankan opening batsmen Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga had to overcome such problems against Bermuda's unheralded seamers Kevin Hurdle and Saleem Mukuddem before their 243-run win, the second biggest margin in Cup history. Bermuda coach Greg Logie was happy to soak in the rare chance to share the spotlight among world class rivals rather than worry about defeats. "We don't have a youthful team like Bangladesh, when you look at our team, I think we represent something different from the normal run of the mill, he said. "Our players are a little bit heavier set than most and not as quick as some, but we hope to cover the ground as quick as possible," he added.

ITN Source | March 19, 2007

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