Ganguly blames wet outfield for loss

Disappointed Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly blamed the outfield conditions for India's five wicket loss to Sri Lanka in the first match of the Coca Cola Champions Trophy in Sharjah on Friday.

Asked for his comments, Ganguly blamed the outfield saying "We didn't think the ground would get this wet. We just couldn't do anything with the ball." However he offered no excuses, attributing the team's failure to make a big total to the four run outs. "A couple of run outs turned the game. It was just not our day," said Ganguly.

On India's next match against Zimbabwe on Sunday, Ganguly said "We'll have to have a different game plan for future matches" and added that against Zimbabwe India will have to bat well and field better.

Echoing the sentiments of his captain, Sachin Tendulkar said the ball started coming on to the bat better for Sri Lankan players while the bowlers struggled to get the grip of the ball. Tendulkar who was upset over the team's performance added that "My getting out turned crucial for the side." On a confident note, he said "I think we are capable of putting up a better show."

Meanwhile, coming from a poor show in the ICC KnockOut Trophy in Nairobi, a visibly happy Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya praised his side for their all round performance and especially his bowlers for restricting the Indians. "The bowlers did extremely well to restrict India to a total of 224,'' he said.

Jayasuriya also had a word of praise for young left-hander Russel Arnold. "Russel batted superbly. He played a great innings with Sangakkara today," The elated Sri Lankan captain added that the victory will boost the morale of the team and the boys will be confident of taking on Zimbabwe on Saturday.