The Indian cricket team coach John Wright asserted that fitness will be given top priority during the ten-day camp to pick the national squad for the forthcoming tri-series against New Zealand and Australia.

Talking to newspersons at Bangalore, he defended the decision to have 36 probables for the conditioning camp, scheduled to begin at Bangalore on August 14. He said the camp would give an opportunity to more players and would also enable the selectors to gauge their talent.

Fast bowlers would be given preference compared to spinners, he said.

"There was a need for a change in the perception that India depended heavily on spinners on home tracks."

Wright was full of praise for India's performance last year and said the team did well in the World Cup, though it failed in the final.

Rahul Dravid, Yuvaraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif, who have all have sought exemption from the Camp as they are currently playing county cricket in India.  The India coach feels that the experience will serve them well and it is important for them to perform well.

Asked about non-inclusion of opener Sadagopan Ramesh, Wright said he had to take it in a sportive manner.

A second camp will subsequently be held for the selected players in the city.

- UNI