"It is more of a mind-set," Wright said. "There are some pitches resembling those overseas. It is just a matter of how much grass (is left on the pitches)."

The former New Zealand captain, who took over as India's first foreign coach in 2000, is in Bangalore providing inputs to revitalise the much-criticised domestic game which includes interacting with local coaches.

India have almost been invincible in home Tests, but their batsmen weaned on flat pitches at home have struggled against pace on livelier pitches abroad.

But Wright said pitches alone could not be blamed.

"I would not agree with that (pitches are bad in India)," he said. "It will be interesting to see what kind of pitches are prepared for the next domestic season."

SOME IMPROVEMENT

India have not won a Test series outside south Asia for 17 years and despite showing some improvement last year, they could only draw a four-game Test series in England 1-1 having lost 2-1 in a five-match series in West Indies before losing both the Tests and a one-day series on underprepared pitches in New Zealand.

By contrast, they have lost just one Test series at home in almost 17 years.

Wright felt his players should also learn to adapt to alien conditions faster to perform well overseas. "It may not be the wickets. It may be the ability to adjust."

That will be crucial when India tour Australia later this year, hoping to fare better against the world champions who had routed them 3-0 in the Test series in 1999-2000.

Wright, who also helped prepare the India A side which began begun its England tour this week, hoped opening batsmen and fast bowlers in particular would use the opportunity.

The squad is packed with five openers, including Shiv Sundar Das, who is attempting to regain his Test spot which he lost last year to makeshift duo Virender Sehwag and Sanjay Bangar.

"Opening batting is very important, particularly when you are touring overseas," he said. "Bangar and Sehwag did a very good job in India last year, but it is an area that is important in winning Test matches overseas."

India next host New Zealand in October for a Test series and a one-day tournament also involving Australia.