Pointing out the failure of Indian batsmen to bat for long hours in Tests, Gautam Gambhir has admitted that the lack of technique and application is the reason behind this malady. Speaking to Mid Day, Gambhir suggested that the way forward is for the BCCI to organize more foreign tours for U-19 players to get them acquainted with the alien conditions.

“I think the way forward for the Indian cricket team is to reassess all the mistakes and learn from them. The youngsters from U-19 need to be exposed to more tours of England and Australia, where they get to play on fast bouncy tracks something we aren`t used to in the sub-continent,” he was quoted as saying in the daily.

“I think the application of body and mind is more important in Test cricket than in any other form of the game. It`s important that younger players prove themselves in being able to last out the longer form. I think once these players get the required exposure to tougher conditions, we`ll be able to fill in our Test team requirements," he added. India’s U-19 team lead by Unmukt Chand is set to tour Australia to participate in a four-nation ODI tourney that starts from April 5.