Rahane rues missed chance in India`s practice game

Canberra: Young opener Ajinkya Rahane is disappointed he didn`t capitalise on the chance he got during India`s practice match here and feels he could end the trip to Australia watching the action from the sidelines.

"I`m really disappointed," said Rahane after the optional nets at Manuka Oval on Saturday. "Now the only thing I could do is to keep trying and working on my batting. I can`t be worrying if I get another chance on this tour or not." Rahane lasted only nine balls for his three runs on the final day of the practice game against Cricket Australia Chaiman`s XI and then spent the rest of the day, sitting in the stands watching the rest of the batsmen help themselves with useful runs. The Mumbai opener burst onto the international stage with a few impressive knocks in one-dayers against England, both at home and away, and has been rewarded with the third opener`s slot on the present tour. But his failure in the opening game hasn`t helped his cause. There isn`t any reason to lose hope knowing how injuries have been a constant companion of Indians on tours these days. Rahane could have his break in case of injury to regular openers, more so since Indians would be averse to push Rahul Dravid a slot up the order. Another thing going for Rahane is his performance in Australia over the years while playing in Emerging Players` tournament. Rahane struck two centuries on his last trip here which led to his selection in England this summer. It is also a particular high to him that his idol Tendulkar has taken him under his wings and has been offering advice to him on this trip. "Sachin has been very encouraging with his advice. He has asked me to look out for the bounce inherent in Australian pitches," quipped Rahane. The potential of Rahane is also getting some serious attention from coach Duncan Fletcher who spent a good time of morning stint attending to young right-hander`s batting. "Duncan has been working on a few technical points with my batting. But essentially he has asked me to bat as I naturally do and don`t worry so much about these alien conditions." Rahane, who is ambidextrous on the field doesn`t want to extend this ability to the batting crease. "I`ve been a right-hander all through my life and I don`t intend to try batting left-hand in the middle." The attacking style of the 23-year-old batsman has begged the question if he would bat in similar vein in Test matches and if dashing Virender Sehwag is his inspiration in this regard. "I bat as I do. I don`t think it`s fair to make comparisons. Everyone has his own style of making runs," he said. PTI