The boys did well against a world class side: Mankad

Mumbai coach Ashok Mankad said on Saturday that he was pleased with his team's performance as they had almost beaten the World champions Australia.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the former Test cricketer said he was happy with the skipper's showing both with the gloves and the bat. He added that he was happy at the commitment shown by the boys.

Mumbai skipper Samir Dighe was awarded the Man of the Match award and the best batsman award was given to the Australian skipper Steve Waugh for an unbeaten century in the first innings and a valiant face saving knock in the second essay.

The coach also mentioned that this match would serve as a platform for the Mumbai players to stake a claim in the National team for the second Test. He added that based on this performance, a few of the boys could make it to the Board President's XI.

Mankad was sure that Shane Warne would have a big impact on the Test series. However he added that Warne would have to bowl to a higher class of batsmen in the Tests. Even though the wickets are slow and flat, Warne, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie would have a big impact in the Tests, he added.

Dighe said he was pleased with his team and his own performance as well but ruled out the possibility of making a comeback into the national side. He added if the selectors deem him fit to play for the country, he would make himself available but he added that he was not hopeful. "I am just enjoying my cricket," he said.