India focus on away win

Laxman became a national hero against Australia

India are stepping up their training with the aim of winning a Test series away from home for the first time since 1986.

The squad for the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe is due to be picked on Thursday from a group of 26 players currently attending a training camp in Bangalore.

India see the trip to Africa as an ideal opportunity to end their barren run on foreign soil, which stretches back 15 years to their
2-0 success in England.

"We've got to win an away series. One win abroad will set right a lot of things," said captain Sourav Ganguly.

India were beaten by 61 runs when they last played a Test in Zimbabwe in 1998, but Ganguly believes it was a game they should have won.

"We only had ourselves to blame. I hope those mistakes are not repeated this time."

They are in confident mood following their 2-1 home win over Australia and will be hoping for more runs from new batting star Vangiparuppu Laxman.

The 26-year-old made headlines all over the cricket world with an innings of 281 against Australia in Calcutta and he scored 503 runs in the series in total at an average of 83.83.

"For a long time now, I've dreamt of being part of an Indian side that wins an overseas series.

"I'll be thrilled if I could play some part in helping the team win in Zimbabwe," Laxman commented.

Coach John Wright has identified one area, however, where the team is not performing to the standard he demands.

"Fielding is one segment in which India needs greater improvement and the camp will focus more on fitness and technical aspects of fielding," the New Zealander said.