Kirsten: We are keen to win a Test series against India

The mainstay of the South African batting has been opener Gary Kirsten. An experienced campaigner, Kirsten has been to the sub continent before and is no stranger to the conditions here. His technique and approach to batting make him ideally suited to playing long innings. One need look no further than Kirsten's innings of 79 in the first innings of the second Test for proof. Speaking after his innings, Kirsten was frank, articulate and upbeat.

Q: How would you rate Nicky Boje's innings?

GK: I thought Nicky played extremely well. It's good to see our players coming out as nightwatchmen and making big scores. It's a good sign. It just goes to show that we have players who haven't played much Test cricket who can perform with the bat.

Q: You were more aggressive against Kartik and Chopra than against Kumble. Was that a deliberate ploy?

GK: Not really. It was a Question of grabbing your opportunity. If the bad ball came up, we made sure we hit it. The key to playing on Indian conditions is getting a good partnership going. It doesn't matter how long it takes. The fact that we bowled India out in just 80 overs meant that we had a lot of time left in the match. You can't get bogged down against the spinners. The fact that we got more than 240 runs in the day was remarkable.

Q: How much harder is it to concentrate and play a long innings on the sub continent?

GK: It's the same everywhere. On the sub continent, you have to face spinners for the majority of your innings and that can produce difficulties. But wherever you go there are different challenges to be faced. The wickets here are difficult for certain reasons. Back home it is difficult too. There is no difference.

Q: Did you have any special preparation to combat the threat of Anil Kumble?

GK: We practiced hard against the spinners before we came here. We've been to the sub continent several times before and have learnt how to play in these conditions. We have carried that experience with us and used it to the fullest. We are keen to win a Test series against India in India because not many sides have done that. Hopefully we'll do it.