I am only bothered about our strategy: Kumble

BANGALORE: Indian captain Anil Kumble played down Glenn McGrath's suggestion that Australia should play four fast bowlers against India.

"I am not interested in their strategy," he said on the eve of the Indian team's departure to Australia and added, "I am only interested in our strategy".

So, what will the Indian strategy be, "This will be decided," the veteran wrist spinner went on to say, "after assessing the situation on arrival in Australia."

Responding to media reports that Australia are devising a plan to 'get Tendulkar' early based on computer analysis provided by former Australian coach, John Buchanan, Kumble laughed.

"Something new, it seems, looking forward to that," he remarked sarcastically. He quipped that bowlers had failed to prevent Sachin Tendulkar from scoring 11,000 runs in Test cricket.

India's new skipper admitted Sreesanth's quality and extra pace 'will be missed'. But he added that injuries are a part of the game and expressed confidence in the players who have been picked.

Kumble is clearly banking on his experienced middle order batsmen -- Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman -- who between them, he reeled off, have nearly 35,000 runs under their belt and are "familiar with conditions in Australia".

He was hopeful Laxman will have recovered from his elbow injury before the 1st test at Melbourne, starting on Boxing Day (Dec 26). Laxman has three Test centuries to his credit and averages nearly 60 in Australia.