Reid boost for Ganguly's men

The beleaguered Indian team found some much needed psychological boost coming from unexpected quarters, with bowling coach Bruce Reid saying Sourav Ganguly's men had the ability to lift their intensity in the coming NatWest Challenge and the Champions Trophy in England.

"They came out of a break after the superb showing in Australia and Pakistan and immediately it is not easy to get back into groove," said former Australian seamer Reid, whose services the Indians have sought to get their bowling combination sorted out.

"But they have a couple of big tournaments in England and you would find the intensity would lift. They would be back where they were in Australia and Pakistan."

Reid's confidence should serve as a good boost to the Indians who are desperate to regain their vaunted form and have been set back by the loss of batting ace Sachin Tendulkar for the three-match series against England due to an elbow injury.

Also Read Reid to coach Indian bowlers Career threatening injury to Saqlain We will get Malik, says Balaji 'Sachin's still world's best'

By what Reid saw of the Indian fast bowlers in the last two days, the former left-arm paceman is pleased with the progress Irfan Pathan has made and feels Laxmipathy Balaji has gone a "little away" from what he had advised the young Tamil Nadu fast bowler in Australia.

"Irfan is okay but Balaji has tried out a few things. They are very young and have got enormous talent. Young boys always try and change a few things and talk to other people as well."

"They are learning and trying to do what is best for them. Between my knowledge and theirs, we try to work out what is best for them."

Reid is also pleased by what he has seen of Ashish Nehra and feels the Delhi left-arm medium-pacer has refined his action since he last saw him in Australia.

"Ashish Nehra looks better than what he did in Australia. He has got over a couple of niggles and is getting through to the crease better. Hopefully he can now bowl well again.

"So we should make a good unit with couple of left-arm pacemen and couple of right-armers."

Reid said in his association with the team in the last two days, he has impressed on them to try and bowl as many slower deliveries and yorkers as possible.

"Obviously they are going to play a major role, especially in the last 10 overs when it is crucial these deliveries come into play."

Reid said even though his stint with the Indians would be interrupted during the NatWest Challenge because of his commitment with Hampshire where he is coaching, he should be available full time to them during the Champions Trophy.

"I have a fly-in, fly-out kind of scenario with the Indians and that's because I was already committed to Hampshire when I worked with them in Australia last year.

"But I am there for the Champions Trophy and we could have a regular arrangement in future," he said.