SPORTS

Ganguly still ruing loss to Aussies

Source:PTI
January 14, 2004 16:07 IST

After the comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, India captain Sourav Ganguly wants the team to carry on the winning momentum and "get better" with each outing in the triangular cricket series.

But Wednesday's victory hasn't erased the bad memories of the tournament opener against Australia, and Ganguly is still ruing the collapse that led to India's 18-run defeat.

"We did pretty well today. We played pretty well at the MCG [in the first match] too but for the last few overs," Ganguly said, admitting the defeat left a bad taste in his mouth.

"Yes I did not feel well after the match [against Australia]. We have to look after one aspect," he said, apparently referring to the tendency of the team to squander good positions.

However, the Indian skipper felt the team is improving in the tournament and hopes things "get better" in the next few weeks.

Ganguly, who looked in great touch during his cameo unbeaten 32-run knock, said he would look to carry on his form in the remaining matches. "It is good to score runs in this part of the world," he said.

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak said his team needs to put on the "thinking cap" and devise ways to put pressure on the opposition.

"We did not put enough runs on the board. We struggled from the beginning and never really got on top of India," he said.

"We had few runs in the end and we needed to pick early wickets to put pressure on them but it did not happen.

"We have to put our hands up now and put some runs on the board to put pressure on the opposition. India and Australia are two good teams and we need to put the thinking cap on and see what works for us."

Man-of-the-match Virender Sehwag said he followed the team plan of being cautious in the first five overs and then opening up.

"The white ball, when it is new, swings for the first five overs. So we decided that we will not hurry up things in the first few overs and wait to play our shots later," said the right-hand batsman who scored a 102-ball 90, which was inclusive of five fours and five sixes.

"If the openers give a good start it helps the team. I am happy I was able to do that in the first match and also in the game here. In Tests too, I was in good form so I just want to carry on," he said.

Sehwag, who scored maximum runs on the on-side, said his plan was to play with the wind rather than against it.

"Also, the square boundary is shorter than at other venues in Australia. So I decided to play my game accordingly."

The two Indian openers -- Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar (44) -- put on 130 runs in 24 overs to lay the foundation for a comprehensive Indian victory.

Sehwag, who hit three of his five sixes off spinner Raymond Price, said he is content playing his natural game and opening the innings.

"I don't want to change my mind. Whether I am opening or coming out to bat in the middle it does not matter. Neither does it matter whether I am playing Tests or one-dayers," said a confident-sounding Sehwag.

On his all-round show, which saw him pick two wickets for 40 runs in 10 overs, Sehwag said he only followed his captain's orders.

"We were one bowler short because Sanjay Bangar was not playing. We knew one of us -- Sachin, Ganguly or me – would have to do the fifth bowler's job. When I was given the ball today I was good with it so Ganguly asked me to complete 10 overs."

 

Source: PTI
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