'We are very happy with the performance'
Australia had a good opening day in their tour match against Mumbai at the Brabourne Stadium, with Matthew Hayden leading the batting with an aggressive 67
Wisden Cricinfo staff
07-Jul-2005
Australia had a good opening day in their tour match against Mumbai at the Brabourne Stadium, with Matthew Hayden leading the batting with an aggressive 67. After the close, John Buchanan spoke about the day's play, Ricky Ponting's thumb, and the Katich question:
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On the performance today
We are very happy with the performance. To be 3 for 160 at the end of the day is very satisfying for us. There was a good bit of time for all the players who batted.
We are very happy with the performance. To be 3 for 160 at the end of the day is very satisfying for us. There was a good bit of time for all the players who batted.
On the rain delay
Yes, but we can't do anything about that. We got a chance to get used to the conditions.
Yes, but we can't do anything about that. We got a chance to get used to the conditions.
On the Mumbai attack
The attack was very good in terms of work divided. I think Ajit Agarkar is very much in consideration with the Indian selectors. I thought the use of [Ramesh] Powar, the offspinner, early on was a good move by the Mumbai team. It was good for us, too, as it gave Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer a chance to experience a slower bowler from the outset. I think it was very useful for us as a batting team.
The attack was very good in terms of work divided. I think Ajit Agarkar is very much in consideration with the Indian selectors. I thought the use of [Ramesh] Powar, the offspinner, early on was a good move by the Mumbai team. It was good for us, too, as it gave Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer a chance to experience a slower bowler from the outset. I think it was very useful for us as a batting team.
On Ricky Ponting missing the second Test
I think we basically thought that it was unlikely he would play in the second Test. I think he, like all of us, knew that that would be the outcome. So it's good that his thumb is recovering well, and we expect him during the second Test and hopefully he will return for the third Test.
I think we basically thought that it was unlikely he would play in the second Test. I think he, like all of us, knew that that would be the outcome. So it's good that his thumb is recovering well, and we expect him during the second Test and hopefully he will return for the third Test.
Selection for this game
The players that we left out will be relatively comfortable about their own preparation. So that gave the opportunity to other players who we needed to see in match circumstances.
The players that we left out will be relatively comfortable about their own preparation. So that gave the opportunity to other players who we needed to see in match circumstances.
On Simon Katich batting at No. 3
That is not completely certain for the Tests, but it is one of the options we have. We are getting closer to understanding what our final combination will be, so there is every chance that Katich batting at No. 3 will be one of the options when the selectors sit down to pick the team.
That is not completely certain for the Tests, but it is one of the options we have. We are getting closer to understanding what our final combination will be, so there is every chance that Katich batting at No. 3 will be one of the options when the selectors sit down to pick the team.