India ready for Shoaib challenge

India have done their "homework" and are ready to face Pakistan speed king Shoaib Akhtar in the all-important clash against the arch-rivals in the Asia Cup cricket tournament on Sunday.

"We have done our homework against him, we are ready for him," India's coach John Wright said about the bowler who is out to avenge his team's humiliation at the hands of India in the March-April series at home.

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Shoaib has been in the news for his shortened run-up and his expressed determination to do well for his team and the clash against India would provide him the perfect stage to settle old scores.

But the task would not be easy for the 'Rawalpindi Express' with India having batsmen capable of stopping him in his tracks.

Wright, naturally, is not concerned on count of his batsmen even though some of them may have to still find their straps in the one-day competition.

"I suffer no doubts at all about our batters, but, yes, it is important for us to do well in the first 15 overs," said the former New Zealand skipper.

Even though India have won two of their three matches and ran Sri Lanka's huge score close, they have not enjoyed a good start so far.

Wright was hopeful that the pitch at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, venue of Sunday's day-night clash, would stay true for the fans and players to enjoy the full flavour of an India-Pakistan tie.

"The one thing noticeable in the last series was how good the wickets were in Pakistan for the one-day games except for the one in Peshawar.

"We would hope the same is true here though we noticed in the last game the ball was doing more in the second half of the match."

Wright is pleased about the options he has in bowling now with Zaheer Khan being declared fit and Ashish Nehra and Harbhajan Singh making their presence felt in the previous game against Bangladesh.

"Nehra looked in very good nick the other day and it was pleasing to see Harbhajan settle in so well."

However, the coach conceded that the extras were turning out to be a problem.

"We are concerned about the extras we are conceding. We gave away 23 wides in the first 100 runs the other day, we hope to set that right," he said.

Wright also had a word of praise for his Pakistan counterpart Bob Woolmer.

"When I was in Kent second XI, he was playing for their first XI. He is very experienced and a good student of the game. His achievements are great."