CAPE TOWN, April 21: Deccan Chargers geared up for Wednesday’s match against Bangalore with a game of touch football followed by a rigorous fielding session under the supervision of fielding coach Mike Young. Even with the first game pocketed comfortably there was no let up in intensity during practice on Tuesday here at Newlands.

Every member of the squad had a knock. Coach Darren Lehmann worked on the bat swings of Scott Styris and Ravi Teja while Rohit Sharma and Chaminda Vaas spent quality time facing the bowling machine. Batsmen worked on specific skills in relation to their task in the team. For example V.V.S. Laxman never tried the aerial route which Styris and skipper Adam Gilchrist concentrated on. There was a purpose and plan in place.

"We could not have hoped for a better start and it is important we keep the good work going. The momentum is with us and all the hard work we had put during out camp in Pretoria seems to be paying off well," said vice-captain Rohit Sharma after the strenuous session.

Conditions have not been friendly for batting here, Rohit said. "It is never going to be easy here. Batsmen will have to be a lot more selective with their shots," he said.

With the sun coming out to dry the surface, batting could be slightly easier on Wednesday. However the ball does tends to wobble more in the evening and that could bring the pacemen into play as it did against Knight Riders.

"The entire bowling unit did well in the opening game and that made our job easier. The conditions here are always helpful for the bowlers and it is matter of keeping it tight," said Gilchrist.

R.P. Singh was the wrecker in chief with four wickets but the difference was made by Fidel Edwards who restricted the flow of runs during the powerplay. Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha backed up the seamers with an excellent spell and there was no respite for the batsmen. "Fidel was special without any doubt. His pace has brought in a new dimension to the team. It is always handy to have a bowler who can hustle batsmen with pace," added Gilchrist.

No team can aspire to succeed without fielding in this format and Chargers stood out with their excellent work on Sunday. It is no secret the team has been lifted by some good work in that department.

The second game presents a wonderful opportunity for the Chargers to continue their work. "It is too early to talk about momentum. We could be in the process of building something good. Bangalore are a very good side and they have local players in their side who have a good knowledge about how things will work out here. Kevin Pietersen is an inspirational captain and they will come hard at us especially after the defeat they suffered against Chennai," said Gilchrist.

"We have a good amount of talent with us. A lot of things will be considered before arriving at the final team," he said.