Johannesburg: Indian coach John Wright was delighted to see his key batsmen strike form ahead of the World Cup starting on Sunday, especially after their miserable show in New Zealand. "It was good run out for the team, particularly with the four main run scorers all getting in and spending some welcome time in the middle," Wright said on Tuesday after India's rain-truncated warm-up match against Natal Dolphins at Pietermaritzburg. The match had to be abandoned due to rains with the local side placed at 69 for two in 18 overs in reply to India's 265 for seven. Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid top scored with 66 each. Skipper Saurav Ganguly made 41 while Sachin Tendulkar helped himself to a well-made 47. "We were happy with the conditions... the pitch was a little bit slow but generally true and pretty similar to what we are used to back in India," Wright said. However, Wright was unhappy with his bowlers not being able to get enough match practice. "It was disappointing the bowlers didn't get more of a run out as they're all a bit rusty, but Anil Kumble looked in good form," the former New Zealand batsman said. The Indians will play their second and last warm-up match against the same side on Thursday. India, which is in Group 'A' along with Australia, England, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Namibia and The Netherlands, begin its World Cup campaign against Holland in Paarl on February 12. Extras:
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Tags: cricket, johannesburg, indian coach john wright, new zealand, india, natal dolphins, pietermaritzburg, yuvraj singh, rahul dravid, indian skipper saurav ganguly, sachin tendulkar, anil kumble, australia, england, pakistan, zimbabwe, namibia, the netherlands, holland.