Ponting: 'I'm very disappointed with the batsmen'
In their first encounter after the World Cup final, India beat Australia handily and proved that the world champions had a thing or two to learn yet about beating India in Indian conditions
Wisden Cricinfo staff
27-Oct-2003
In their first encounter after the World Cup final, India beat Australia handily and proved that the world champions had a thing or two to learn yet about beating India in Indian conditions. Here is what the protagonists had to say:
Rahul Dravid
On his bowling strategy: The wicket had become slow and low as the game progressed, and we needed to mix and match for maximum advantage from the pitch. Virender Sehwag's two wickets brought the match within our reach.
On his bowling strategy: The wicket had become slow and low as the game progressed, and we needed to mix and match for maximum advantage from the pitch. Virender Sehwag's two wickets brought the match within our reach.
On a depleted Australian team: The Australian team has been winning even without some of their top players. Even during the World Cup they were missing two or three key players, but the result was there for every body to see.
We cannot take them lightly. It was very important to start on a winning note, and I am very glad that we won today, but we will have to keep the momentum going in other matches.
Ricky Ponting
On Australia's performance: I think the bowlers did fairly well. They conceded about 20 extra runs in the last few overs, otherwise they did well. But I am very disappointed with the batsmen.
On Australia's performance: I think the bowlers did fairly well. They conceded about 20 extra runs in the last few overs, otherwise they did well. But I am very disappointed with the batsmen.
On the problems with the sightscreen: The sightscreen is always a problem, but it did not bother us much. We are used to all this in this part of the world.
Sachin Tendulkar
On his motivation against Australia: Australia is a top side, I don't know ... I just go out and play my natural game. We have left the World Cup behind us, it is a fresh series. We cannot go on cribbing about the past.
On his motivation against Australia: Australia is a top side, I don't know ... I just go out and play my natural game. We have left the World Cup behind us, it is a fresh series. We cannot go on cribbing about the past.
On VVS Laxman: He batted very well. In fact he has been in remarkable form right from the start of the season.