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Untitled Document
 Onus on batsmen to put us in driver's seat: Chawla
11th Apr 2008 23:01 IST
Agencies
Indian bowlers have done a decent job by restricting South Africa to 265 in their first essay and the onus is now on the batsmen to post a big total and put the hosts in the driver's seat, said young leg-spinner Piyush Chawla.
According to him, the Green Park track may have already started deteriorating but the experienced Indian batsmen should not have much difficulty since the rival team does not have too many spinners.
"I think we have done well to restrict them to 265, particularly after the good start they got. It will now depend how our batsmen play tomorrow," Chawla said after the opening day's play, which saw the visitors being bundled out for 265 in the first innings.
South Africa got off to a sound start and were in fact 152/1 at one stage before the Indian bowlers struck to shoot them out for 265.
Chawla reckons it's now for the batsmen to complement the bowlers' effort and said the willowers should not have any problem.
"We have a experienced and quality batting order and they will be able to do the job for us," asserted the youngster, who returned to the Test team after a making his debut in March 2006.
"It is a slow turner and our batsmen should be able to handle. It is just a question of handling the spinners well. There is nothing much for the pacemen on this track", Chawla said.
Chawla, who came into the team in place of captain Anil Kumble, admitted that his senior was missed in the game.
"Taking Anil bhai's place in the team is always a big challenge. I started off quite well but I could have done better. But there is no doubt that if he (Kumble) was here, it would have been better," he said.
Asked when did he come to know that he would be playing the match, Chawla said "I came to know this morning that I will be playing, just about 45 minutes before the match".
Chawla said getting the opportunity to play only his second Test was a "great feeling" and he was keen to play a big role in this crucial tie.
"I just have to concentrate on bowling in the good areas. I have a few plans. I was focussed only about bowling in the good areas", he explained.
Asked if there was any additional pressure on him since he was playing on his home ground, he said "There is always pressure when you play for India. It is always a special feeling when you play at your home ground. I have played a lot of cricket here and it will help me". |
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