 Need to work on catching: Kumble
4th Dec 2007 23:31 IST
Agencies
Indian captain Anil Kumble today rued the dropped catches that allowed Pakistan to escape with a draw in the second Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata today.
"Catches win matches and it is vital that we take these chances when they are offered. We need to do a bit of work in this regard," Kumble said.
Indian fielders dropped centurions Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal early in their knocks in the first innings and also let off the dogged Mohammad Sami. All three made vital contributions to ensure that Pakistan avoided defeat.
"There were certain moments in the match where, if we had held on to the catches, things could have been different," the leg-spinner said.
India were in a very strong position at one time on the third day when after amassing a mammoth 616/5 declared in the first innings, they had half of the visiting team back in the pavilion with only 150 on the board.
But Misbah and Akmal did the repair job with a 207-run partnership, which brought Pakistan back into the game.
"We were in a fantastic position but the Pakistan batsmen applied themselves well. Credit must go to Misbah and Kamran and Younis and Yousuf who denied us the victory."
The Indian skipper said the Eden pitch gave very little assistance to bowlers.
"It was very flat and tough for bowlers. I wish it had a bit more pace and bounce in it. We had to target the rough as nothing was happening from the wicket. But, in the end, we did not have enough time," Kumble said.
He, however, lauded his team for a good all-round effort with everybody chipping in.
"Jaffer batted brilliantly while Harbhajan was good with the ball. Everybody contributed. We are feeling good and looking to make it 2-0 at Bangalore," Kumble added.
continued.. |
