Why ODI team amid Test series? Kumble asks

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Adelaide: India captain Anil Kumble has revealed that the squad for the One-Day tri-series in Australia should not have been announced in the middle of the Test series, saying it's tough on the axed seniors.

So far, Kumble had refrained from commenting on the ODI teams's selection and particularly the exclusion of Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

He said the timing of the announcement was far from ideal. But he hoped the senior players would shrug off the disappointment and stay focussed on the Test.

Anil Kumble also spoke of the One-Day team that was picked for the tri-series a few days ago, saying it was time to move on with the game.

"I think the team members will be disappointed for not being a part of the on the One-Day squad, but if you look at the team and the squad who don't make it, they have played enough cricket to understand that this match is crucial, not just for us, but for Indian cricket. So, if you have to stay in this series then it's important that we put up our best possible effort," Kumble said on the eve of the fourth and final Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Reacting to the Indian captain's words, BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah told CNN-IBN that logistical issues were behind the selection of the squad in the middle of the Test series.

"It is because of logistical issues that we have to select the team. It is not feasible for us to select the team on the last day of the tournament (the Test series)," Shah reasoned.

Kumble also said that the team was geared up to put up a good performance and level the series.

"Yes, it is indeed a special venue, because it all started here in 2003-04. It is important that we win the Test match, and, having gone through the last four years which has been fantastic for me personally and also for Indian cricket. So, we are here again today, with an opportunity of levelling the series," Kumble added.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting meanwhile said it was too early to write off Australia, who appeared to have been thrown off kilter during the Perth Test.

"They (India) are an enjoyable opponent. You want to be tested all the time at the highest level and India have managed to push Australia and test Australia a lot over the years, whether it be at home or in India. So, they are great opponents of ours," Ponting said.

"I think with this series being the way it is at the moment, likelihood is some of the Indian players are maybe not touring Australia again. Everything is lining up for this game to be a beauty as well," the Aussie skipper added.

The fourth and final Test against Australia begins in Adelaide on Saturday. Australia, who lost a Test after winning 16 in a row, will start from sctratch, while India would want to square the series 2-2.