A tired yet raring to go Indian team turned up at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium at Mohali for a practice session on the day before the first Test. After a session of limbering up exercises, fielding drills and a long time in the nets, skipper Sourav Ganguly took time out to answer questions from the press. Here are the excerpts:

On how the team feels playing back-to-back series:

When we went to South Africa we knew that we had to come back and play a Test series straight away. I know it is hard but I think we're up for it.

On the effect of the defeat in South Africa on the team morale:

We did not play well in South Africa. We have to admit that they were a better side than us, in the conditions. This is a new series. We have a good record at home and need to keep that going.

On the controversies over Mike Denness and Virender Sehwag:

We were busy with the cricket out there. We were getting to hear various things from reports. But at the back of our minds we knew all along that the Test would take place. I was sure that the controversy would come to an end and we would get on with the game.

On the effect the controversy had on the team:

It's very difficult for me to say what effect the whole controversy had on our cricket. Though things cropped up on the fourth day of the second Test, we batted really well on the final day to save the Test. We ended up losing the final match after that. So it's difficult for me to say how the team was affected.

His reaction to the team for the first Test:

It's not true that I said I was unhappy with the team. It's true that I said that I was not consulted by the selectors. The rest was added on and I said no more. There's no point talking about whether I wanted someone else. I've been given a team and I'm happy with it.

On the wicket at Mohali:

There's a bit of grass covering the wicket, but that's how Mohali has always been. I'm happy with it. The groundsman has prepared a wicket and we'll play on it.

On the need for the captain and selectors to be in constant touch:

As a captain you need be a part of selection policy. And it's important to be in touch with the selectors as well. It helps everybody. The statements written in the press are not required at this stage. Those words weren't spoken by me.

On the England team:

They've left a few guys back home but the guys who've come have got a great opportunity. They'll miss Atherton and Stewart but the youngsters have done well in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last year. Butcher did well against Australia recently too. Ours is a slightly inexperienced bowling attack and it looks like we're in for a good series.

Whether the team would tone down their behaviour:

I thought we were on our best behaviour in South Africa. I still think there needs to be some aggression on the field. I know that there has to be some limit to this. But this is what people come to watch. I as a captain definitely feel that there has to be some aggression on the field.

Indian coach John Wright spoke of the long term need to improve on various departments. He had this to say about India's repeated failures abroad despite success at home:

JW: There are two areas we need to work on. Shot selection is one. We need to be more judicious with shot selection overseas. Some of our batsmen can play wonderful cricket here in conditions where the bounce is a little lower. That certainly is an issue. We won against Australia because Harbhajan Singh took 32 wickets. We're very dependent on the quality of our spin bowlers. In Zimbabwe and particularly South Africa the seam bowlers struggled to take wickets. We tried different combinations but South Africa still made runs in every innings. In the long term this is something we need to invest in. I'm personally pleased for the boys who've been selected for the forthcoming Test match ­ it's an opportunity for them. The guys who played in South Africa ­ Ajit Agarkar, Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan - all have potential and I'm sure they'll be back.

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