Chennai, Sept 16: An impressive performance in the Irani Cup match between Mumbai and the Rest of India could provide the fringe players the opportunity to secure a berth in the teams that will play two three-day matches against the touring New Zealand side. According to cricket board secretary S K Nair, the board President's XI and the India "A" teams to play the Kiwis would be selected during the September 18-22 Irani Cup match here.
The Indian team for the first test would be picked during the three-day tie between the Kiwis and India 'A' to be held at Rajkot from Oct 2 to 4, he said.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai team today started its preparation for the Irani Cup match with a four-hour practice session and physical conditioning at the M A Chidambaram stadium here.
Skipper Sachin Tendulkar was on the field all through the session which was held under hot and humid conditions.
Coach Chandrakant Pandit said Tendulkar's appointment as the captain of the side for the season's inaugural domestic match would boost the spirit of the players.
"The young players in the teams will be fully charged up to perform against the Rest of India team, which has several players of the Indian team," he said.
So far both the Mumbai team and the Rest of India have won the Irani Cup 15 times each.
Bureau Report