'We will take advantage of Gambhir's absence'

Ricky Ponting said Aus will take advantage of the absence of in-form Gautam Gambhir in the Indian top order and put pressure on the new opening combination in the fourth and final Test starting in Nagpur.

Australia will take advantage of the absence of in-form Gautam Gambhir in the Indian top order and put pressure on the new opening combination in the fourth and final Test starting in Nagpur on Thursday, visiting skipper Ricky Ponting said on Wednesday.

HT Image

"He (Gambhir) has played very well from the first Test and has given good start to the Indian team with (Virender) Sehwag. They have also run very well and have good understanding. There will be a bit more pressure on the middle order (with Gambhir's ban). We have to take advantage of this," Ponting said at a press conference at the old VCA stadium after team practice session.

Ponting backed his much-criticised bowling attack saying it was capable of taking 20 wickets and hinted uncapped off-spinner Jason Krejza could be fielded tomorrow as the pitch seems spin-friendly.

"I think we have the bowlers who can take 20 wickets. I have full confidence in them. I had seen the wicket yesterday and it looks like a typical Indian wicket with no grass. It seems it will turn after three days of being a good batting wicket. We will be looking at fielding (off-spinner) Jason Krejza," he said.

"He's been a great servant of Indian cricket and has led the country well. I know he will enjoy his last few days in cricket. But I hope we can make it unendurable for him by winning here," said the Tasmanian.