John Wright asks India to focus on World Cup

John Wright asks India to focus on World CupChennai, Aug 16 : Former Indian cricket team coach John Wright has said that Indian cricket team should set its sight on winning the 2011 World Cup.

Talking to reporters here on Saturday, Wright said India should remain focused on the World Cup and next month''s Champions Trophy in South Africa.

"Well now I think the biggest goal for Indian team is winning the World Cup and the Champions Trophy in South Africa," he said.

India, which won the World Cup in 1983 and later made two appearances in the final, exited the 2007 World Cup after losing to Bangladesh in the opening round.

India''s next assignment is a triangular one-day series involving hosts Sri Lanka and New Zealand from Sept. 8-14, followed by the Champions Trophy in South Africa from September 22-October 5.

Wright did not agree with concerns that Test cricket was on a decline due to the rising popularity of Twenty20, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"I feel very strongly that it is good to have longer form of the game because that way we learn the game. And limited over and Twenty20 is part of the cricket environment but it is so hard for youngsters to learn to bat properly or to bowl properly," Wright said.

Test-match crowds have steadily dwindled throughout much of the cricketing world while fans turn instead to 50-over and Twenty20 matches. (ANI)