`We didn't allow India any momentum': Buchanan
John Buchanan speaks to the media at the end of Day 2
Dileep Premachandran in Nagpur
21-Jul-2005
John Buchanan is not a complacent man, not after what happened to Australia on their last tour here. But when he addressed the media after the second day's play here, it was impossible to escape the feeling that this was a man presiding over a redemptive mission. Here is what he had to say:
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On the state of the game
It's a nice position to be in, with a 250-run lead. But it's still a very good pitch for batting. And in that respect, our bowling today was superb. Glenn McGrath was brilliant in his 100th Test, and he got great support from Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz. And I thought Shane Warne deserved better figures in the 20 overs he bowled. We need five more wickets. It'll take time, and patience, and then we have to follow it up with some good batting.
It's a nice position to be in, with a 250-run lead. But it's still a very good pitch for batting. And in that respect, our bowling today was superb. Glenn McGrath was brilliant in his 100th Test, and he got great support from Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz. And I thought Shane Warne deserved better figures in the 20 overs he bowled. We need five more wickets. It'll take time, and patience, and then we have to follow it up with some good batting.
On the possibility of enforcing the follow-on, given Australia's past experiences
We've always been mindful of enforcing the follow-on. We're playing back-to-back Tests, and to put the bowlers and fielders back in straight away will be a big test for them. But the bowlers will get some rest tonight, and if we can get them out early tomorrow, it remains an option. There has been enough movement on offer for the new-ball bowlers, and it's been difficult for top-order batsmen.
We've always been mindful of enforcing the follow-on. We're playing back-to-back Tests, and to put the bowlers and fielders back in straight away will be a big test for them. But the bowlers will get some rest tonight, and if we can get them out early tomorrow, it remains an option. There has been enough movement on offer for the new-ball bowlers, and it's been difficult for top-order batsmen.
On Darren Lehmann's injury
Brett [Lee] will continue to field, but we're doing everything possible to make sure that Darren recovers quick enough to play a part in the Mumbai Test.
Brett [Lee] will continue to field, but we're doing everything possible to make sure that Darren recovers quick enough to play a part in the Mumbai Test.
On whether he was surprised at how quickly India went into a defensive shell after Virender Sehwag was dismissed
Sehwag can ignite an innings, and losing him quickly made it harder for the Indians to adjust. If anything, this shows that the Australian batting was better than the score indicates. All the bowlers have got some assistance from the pitch, and I thought we bowled exceptionally well today. We didn't allow India any sort of momentum.
Sehwag can ignite an innings, and losing him quickly made it harder for the Indians to adjust. If anything, this shows that the Australian batting was better than the score indicates. All the bowlers have got some assistance from the pitch, and I thought we bowled exceptionally well today. We didn't allow India any sort of momentum.
On the off-side cordons that were frequently employed
The pitch produced bounce and pace, with some seam movement. It was conducive to getting edges, and the line of attack needed to be different here.
The pitch produced bounce and pace, with some seam movement. It was conducive to getting edges, and the line of attack needed to be different here.
On whether a chat with Glenn McGrath might have contributed to Sehwag's dismissal
I think apart from McGrath's bowling, you have to credit Kasprowicz's previous over. He contained Sehwag and tightened him up. As we all know, he likes to go for his shots. So I'd say Kasprowicz contributed in part to the dismissal.
I think apart from McGrath's bowling, you have to credit Kasprowicz's previous over. He contained Sehwag and tightened him up. As we all know, he likes to go for his shots. So I'd say Kasprowicz contributed in part to the dismissal.
On the role played by Errol Alcott, the physio
It's not just Errol, it's been the total support from the backroom staff. Errol's knowledge and experience of the subcontinent are unmatched, but the trainer and the masseurs have all done their bit. The performance of the players can be attributed to the work done off the field.
It's not just Errol, it's been the total support from the backroom staff. Errol's knowledge and experience of the subcontinent are unmatched, but the trainer and the masseurs have all done their bit. The performance of the players can be attributed to the work done off the field.
Dileep Premachandran is assistant editor of Wisden Cricinfo.