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'Great chance for India to strike back'
Ace spinner Anil Kumble, the hero of the day with a haul of seven for 48, believes his team has a good chance to strike back in the series.
Ace spinner Anil Kumble, the hero of the day with a haul of seven for 48, believes his team has a very good opportunity to strike back in the series by putting up a good total against Australia in the second Test here.
“It is a great opportunity for us to pile up a good total since the second day wicket here would be good for batting,” Kumble said after the opening day's play.
Asked to comment on his performance on Thursday, Kumble showed utmost humility and credited his spin partner Harbhajan Singh for providing the team crucial breakthroughs and keeping it tight from the other end.
“It was the first day and a good wicket. Fortunately for us, Harbhajan scalped both the openers, which was crucial and helped us," he said.
Kumble said it helped to bowl in tandem with Harbhajan. "I think it really helps. Somewhere I pick a wicket and he picks up some. The wicket was helpful and I like to bowl on such strips."
Asked whether he rated this performance among his best, he said, “It was very satisfying for me and the team as it was important for us to restrict the Aussies."
Kumble, who picked all his wickets from the Wallajah Road end, said, “It was just a coincidence. The wicket had a bit of bounce and obviously you create a lot of opportunities.” On Adam Gilchrist and Michael Kasprowicz walking off without waiting for the umpire's verdict, Kumble said such gestures were a "great thing for the sport".
