'I'm really happy with the way I played' - Ponting
Adam Gilchrist blazed to his 13th century and reduced Ricky Ponting to the role of virtual bystander
Peter English
04-Jan-2005
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Adam Gilchrist blazed to his 13th century and reduced Ricky Ponting, who was to become the third Australian to score four double-centuries, to the role of virtual bystander. Both were satisfied with their innings, but neither batsman elevated their performances to the top of their personal charts at the end-of-day press conference. Danish Kaneria was fined 100% his match fee yesterday for abusing Michael Clarke, but today he struck back with seven wickets as Pakistan's only real weapon of destruction. Passing 100 Test wickets during the innings, Kaneria spoke of his desire to pass Shane Warne's world-record by the time he retires.
Ricky Ponting
On rating his double-century
The one in Melbourne last year was the most satisfying because of the way that series was headed. The way it was built up, and being Stephen [Waugh's] last series, I wanted to make sure I was doing as much as I could to make sure he went out on a winning note.
The one in Melbourne last year was the most satisfying because of the way that series was headed. The way it was built up, and being Stephen [Waugh's] last series, I wanted to make sure I was doing as much as I could to make sure he went out on a winning note.
On his innings
I'm really happy with the way I played and felt really at ease throughout the whole innings.
I'm really happy with the way I played and felt really at ease throughout the whole innings.
On joining Greg Chappell and Don Bradman with four
doubles
I didn't know that. A lot of those milestones tend to be popping up around this team at the moment. It's nice to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys and it's a great way to start the year after a disappointing one last year.
I didn't know that. A lot of those milestones tend to be popping up around this team at the moment. It's nice to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys and it's a great way to start the year after a disappointing one last year.
On how he'll celebrate
I don't think a lot about the game away from the game. I'll go home tonight to a wife who doesn't talk too much about cricket, so that's always nice. Australia's Next Top Model is on so I've been told I'm watching that.
I don't think a lot about the game away from the game. I'll go home tonight to a wife who doesn't talk too much about cricket, so that's always nice. Australia's Next Top Model is on so I've been told I'm watching that.
On the position of the game
If we bowl really well in the morning I've got a feeling that we'll win the game tomorrow. There's enough in the wicket for the spinners that if we bowl well we'll create another nine chances. There's every chance the spinners will start tomorrow because there's nothing in it for the fast bowlers.
If we bowl really well in the morning I've got a feeling that we'll win the game tomorrow. There's enough in the wicket for the spinners that if we bowl well we'll create another nine chances. There's every chance the spinners will start tomorrow because there's nothing in it for the fast bowlers.
On Gilchrist's batting
You've just got to let him go and sit back and enjoy it. Once he gets on a roll like he did today, the worst thing you can do is say something and make him stop it. The way he hit the ball and changed the course of the game was outstanding. He's a once in a lifetime player, [so] 13 centuries is unbelievable for a wicketkeeper in the amount of Tests he's played.
You've just got to let him go and sit back and enjoy it. Once he gets on a roll like he did today, the worst thing you can do is say something and make him stop it. The way he hit the ball and changed the course of the game was outstanding. He's a once in a lifetime player, [so] 13 centuries is unbelievable for a wicketkeeper in the amount of Tests he's played.
Adam Gilchrist
On the clarity of his ball striking
I hit some nice ones towards the end, but felt a bit scratchy early. With Shoaib [Akhtar] I got lucky with a few edges either side of the slips cordon. From the hook shot that I attempted off Shoaib, where I skied it and got lucky again, I switched on.
I hit some nice ones towards the end, but felt a bit scratchy early. With Shoaib [Akhtar] I got lucky with a few edges either side of the slips cordon. From the hook shot that I attempted off Shoaib, where I skied it and got lucky again, I switched on.
On making starts this season
It's nice to get to the hundred after several innings of getting 40 or 50. As far as hundreds are concerned, they are not always the barometer that you judge yourself against. It's what the team is requiring at that time.
It's nice to get to the hundred after several innings of getting 40 or 50. As far as hundreds are concerned, they are not always the barometer that you judge yourself against. It's what the team is requiring at that time.
On attempting another six to bring up his century
I wasn't being drawn in by the crowd. There was a ball there to cover-drive for four but all morning I was trying to muscle them a bit too much. It was never in my mind to try and do three in a row.
I wasn't being drawn in by the crowd. There was a ball there to cover-drive for four but all morning I was trying to muscle them a bit too much. It was never in my mind to try and do three in a row.
On the batting plan with Ponting
We just wanted to get as many as we could ahead because the wicket is doing plenty for the spin bowlers. We didn't have any clear intention to go out there and be ultra aggressive. Someone told me that Ricky only faced 13 balls in the first hour. Neither of us were aware of that.
We just wanted to get as many as we could ahead because the wicket is doing plenty for the spin bowlers. We didn't have any clear intention to go out there and be ultra aggressive. Someone told me that Ricky only faced 13 balls in the first hour. Neither of us were aware of that.
On the pitch
It's turning at reasonable pace so it's enough to catch edges and beat the bat. They only lost one wicket and scored at four runs an over tonight so we've got to be watchful of that, and that we don't get too over-attacking.
It's turning at reasonable pace so it's enough to catch edges and beat the bat. They only lost one wicket and scored at four runs an over tonight so we've got to be watchful of that, and that we don't get too over-attacking.
On Danish Kaneria's bowling
He's been outstanding throughout the series. He's got a lot of wickets and fortunately someone has ridden him for long enough to produce the runs. He's very effective with an extremely good wrong-un that some guys struggle to pick. And he's got a lot of courage.
He's been outstanding throughout the series. He's got a lot of wickets and fortunately someone has ridden him for long enough to produce the runs. He's very effective with an extremely good wrong-un that some guys struggle to pick. And he's got a lot of courage.
Danish Kaneria
On his bowling against Australia
I've played against some of the best batsmen in the world in the best team in the world and my confidence has gone up. It will help when I play for Pakistan.
I've played against some of the best batsmen in the world in the best team in the world and my confidence has gone up. It will help when I play for Pakistan.
On his confidence level
It is natural because when I was young I tried the same type of bowling. My coach told me that if you are frightened of your bowling getting hit you will be no more. Legspin is attacking, you can get runs and you can get wickets. I just want to bowl my line and length.
It is natural because when I was young I tried the same type of bowling. My coach told me that if you are frightened of your bowling getting hit you will be no more. Legspin is attacking, you can get runs and you can get wickets. I just want to bowl my line and length.
On getting advice from Shane Warne
No, I haven't asked anything from Shaney. I have never asked him because his bowling and my bowling are different. He's more side-on and I have a round-arm action.
No, I haven't asked anything from Shaney. I have never asked him because his bowling and my bowling are different. He's more side-on and I have a round-arm action.
On wanting more wickets than Warne
When I finish my cricket I want to make my name as the world's greatest legspinner, God willing. I want [more wickets] than any spinner. My last wicket was my 101st and, Inshallah, I will do my very best to get my target.
When I finish my cricket I want to make my name as the world's greatest legspinner, God willing. I want [more wickets] than any spinner. My last wicket was my 101st and, Inshallah, I will do my very best to get my target.
On being fined for the Clarke outbust
I am very sorry for that because of the crowd and everybody hearing it on the tv. Me and Clarke were saying some things to each other. Then he hit me for six and I got him out. I was excited. You never know what you are saying or not saying. I didn't mean to say it because he's a very good guy and a friend. It has cost me a lot, I'm playing a free game.
I am very sorry for that because of the crowd and everybody hearing it on the tv. Me and Clarke were saying some things to each other. Then he hit me for six and I got him out. I was excited. You never know what you are saying or not saying. I didn't mean to say it because he's a very good guy and a friend. It has cost me a lot, I'm playing a free game.
On the lead Pakistan need to win
If they are chasing around 200 or 250 it would be a good fight for us. It would not be easy for them to get runs very quickly.
If they are chasing around 200 or 250 it would be a good fight for us. It would not be easy for them to get runs very quickly.