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Kumble: Focused

We want to maintain our number two position in the Test rankings. We have worked hard to get there and want to stay there for as long as we can.

Anil Kumble
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• Mark Boucher
• Anil Kumble

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Anil Kumble insists India must maintain their focus in their battle for second place in the ICC Test rankings ahead of the Test series with South Africa.

The Proteas have arrived in the Asian sub-continent ahead of the three-match series, having already defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan in recent times.

Kumble's men denied Australia a world record 17th successive win with victory in Perth meanwhile, and despite losing the series 2-1 have been buoyed by their display.

The first Test gets underway at Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Wednesday and the skipper is looking for another big series from his team.

Intensity

"The key is to post big scores and let the bowlers put pressure on the visiting batsmen," Kumble said.

"It is a game plan that has worked well for us in the past, both at home and abroad, and there is no reason why we can't do that again.

"We know South Africa are a very competitive side, but we can win if we play to our potential and maintain the intensity for all five days.

"We want to maintain our number two position in the Test rankings. We have worked hard to get there and want to stay there for as long as we can.

"For that we have to play well each session, each day of a Test match."

Sledging

India, coached for the first time by former South African opener Gary Kirsten, come into this game on the back of two acrimonious series against England and Australia.

But Proteas wicketkeeper batsman Mark Boucher believes the two teams will keep their emotions in check following an ICC crackdown on sledging.

"You don't want to overstep the mark, and if you do then the ICC match referees are looking for someone to make an example of," Boucher said.

"The players have got to have their wits about them. If you're going to do something then you're going to have do it in a clever way.

"Both sides will be trying to find out how to do that to gain an extra advantage. You don't want to lose that part of the game because it would take the competitive streak away."

The first Test in Chennai will be followed by back-to-back matches in Ahmedabad (April 3-7) and Kanpur (April 11-15).

Despite their one-day success Down Under with a youthful squad, India's veterans will return for the longer format of the game.

Wasim Jaffer, who struggled against Australia, remains at the top of the order while the hosts are also likely to pick two spinners.