Indore, Dec 7: 27-year-old R Vinay Kumar, a relative newcomer to the Indian side, has been leading the pace attack in the ongoing ODI series against the touring West Indies. On the eve of the fourth ODI between the two sides, Kumar spoke to the media about the privilege of leading the attack and his ambition to represent India in Tests.

Excerpts from the pre-match press conference:

On the Indore pitch

There’s a bit of grass on the pitch. I am guessing it will be a good batting track.

On the loss in the third ODI

The defeat hasn’t affected our morale. It’s in the past; we are looking forward to tomorrow’s match and hopefully will wrap up the series here.

On leading the attack

It feels great. I am very happy and feel privileged to lead the Indian attack. Since I am a swing bowler, the new ball suits my style of bowling just fine. The new ball does a bit here. If you put the ball in the right areas, you will be rewarded.

On being branded a one-day bowler

At this stage I don’t want to say anything about selection. I definitely want to play Tests. I am sure the day will come soon.

On Irfan Pathan

I didn’t watch him bowl much today, but obviously he has been bowling well. He has taken lots of wickets and it will be good for us if he strikes form early here.

On bowling with two new balls

Yeah, two new balls are definitely helping us, especially the swing bowlers. Earlier, after five or six overs the ball would stop swinging. But now with two new balls we can generate swing till about 15 overs. And it hasn’t affected reverse swing at all. It’s difficult if there is dew; otherwise we can get some reverse [swing].