ADELAIDE. Dec 11: The Indian cricket team needs to improve its batting If it is to stay in con-

tention in the triangular World Series Cup tournament. Captain Mohammad Azharuddln said Wednesday, reports AP

India currently leads the competition with three points from three games but suffered an eight-wicket loss to Australia In Hobart on Tuesday.

Australia has two points from two games and the West Indies one point from one game. Australia and the West Indies play Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and India faces the West Indies at Adelaide Oval on Saturday and Australia on Sunday.

India has one of the best batting line-ups In the world, but players like Azharuddln. Sanjay Manjrekar, Sachin Tendulkar and Kris Srtkkanth have not played consistently well in Australia.

The batting is the prob-

lem". Azharuddln said. "Were Just not getting away to good starts."

The best stand openers Srikkanth and Ravi Shastri have managed on tour was 49 against Australia during a 107-run victory in Perth last Sunday.

"We got a very good start in Perth and made 200. so its important that wc can get away to more good starts.” said Azharuddln.

The captain said he was not concerned about hls own form despite a top-score of 23 in seven tour innings.

Tm playing well. I’m not struggling,” he said. "I Just haven't been able to get a really big score."

Azharuddln received treatment for a swollen right hand Wednesday and wicket-keeper Kiran More has a similar injury. but both expect to be fit for Saturday’s match.

Leg-splnner Narendra Hirwani also is likely to play after being rested in recent matches.