Seeking to make light of the absence of Sachin Tendulkar from the Indian team due to an injury, Australia's stand-in skipper Adam Gilchrist said his side was also missing the services of regular skipper Ricky Ponting who was recovering from a broken finger in Australia.
"If India are missing Sachin, Australia too are missing Ponting. Ponting has been going through a series of scans and other tests to assess his fitness and to see whether he would be available for the next Test," Gilchrist told reporters here.
The Australian was speaking to the media during a visit to a slum community at suburban Otteri, supported by World Vision, a relief and development organisation working towards "a full life" for girls and boys around the country. Gilchrist has joined the World Vision as its ambassador.
Even though the first Test, won by Australia by 217 runs, was marred by a few umpiring decisions, Gilchrist advocated giving more power to on-field umpires.
"The technology used presently is not foolproof and adequate. I would like to see the human talent of the game."
Asked whether he would bat or bowl first, if he won the toss in the second Test starting here on Thursday, he said it was too early to say. "I am yet to inspect the pitch."
Talking about Australia's success, he said it was due to "meticulous planning and the system of training, competition and selection that are in place in our country."
On the current series and his role as the captain, he said "it is one of the biggest series for us and for me as captain."
Speaking about the slum programme, Gilchrist said: "I am doing what my parents have been doing. They have adopted a child from the same NGO."
He said former Australian captain Steve Waugh had told the players about the popularity of cricket in India among the masses, including the under privileged.
"Waugh wanted us to channelise in doing something for them in this country.
"I am hoping my visit will increase awareness of the need for Indians and Australians to support organisations like the World Vision who are working to help children build a better life," he said.
Gilchrist, who inspected the computer education room and interacted with the officials of the World Vision, also played 'mock' cricket with the slum children.
