Chennai Super Kings have the edge: Fleming

Chennai Super Kings beat Knight Riders by 2 runs

Chennai: The arrival of two Australian stars, batsman Michael Hussey and fast bowler Doug Bollinger has considerably strengthened the Chennai Super Kings squad that holds a definite edge over Royal Challengers Bangalore whom they play here Saturday in the Indian Premier League.

Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming, in the course of the pre-match media conference here Friday gave enough indications that Hussey, might play although it meant a reshuffling of the line-up.

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"Hussey has a pretty good chance of playing. He has always been a key member for us when he has been available to play. We generally choose all-rounders because Albie (Morkel) is our star player.''

"Usually we go in with three overseas bowling options because the quality of our Indian batting gives us the option of doing that," he said.

Despite suffering a shock defeat in their previous game after scoring 188 against Kings XI Punjab at Mohali, Fleming said the Super Kings can yet beat RCB Saturday provided they up their game.

"I said from the start that we have a small advantage because we have players from the previous editions but that advantage is slowly running out. I know Daniel Vettori (RCB captain) will be working very hard to get team spirit and to get the team going.''

"We still have an edge because are playing at home, but we still have to be on top of our game. We have got to be sharp and very accurate in what we do," said Fleming.

Looking at the positives in the Mohali game, Fleming said the 180-plus total augured well for his team although ultimately, the target proved insufficient following a brilliant 63-ball 120 not out by Paul Valthaty.

"We were disappointed to lose the last game, but you have to give credit where it is due. It was an innings full of flair. The first six overs of the match produced five an over, the remaining 34 went for 10 an over.

IPL 2011

"It was that kind of a wicket, 175-180 was a par score. We asked them to play well and they did so. We have got to keep the standards high and be accurate under pressure.

"We have a very good bowling attack, as we saw in the first match here when we defended 150 (against Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match).

"We will take 188 every day. When you make 180-190 consistently, you usually win more matches than you lose.

"Hussey and Bollinger are great additions to our squad. It is good to have them back. It's nice to have options, now we have the headache of selecting the right team," Fleming said.