Coach Greg Chappell admitted Indian bowlers were not up to the mark, saying the third day's play was absolutely vital for his team's survival in the first cricket Test against the West Indies.
"We didn't bowl consistently well today. But one guy was playing his first game and couple of others were playing early. You can't fix old heads on young shoulders. It comes from experience. That's the only way to find out and we learnt a few things today," Chappell said.
"I can't think of many bowlers who I have played with or against or have seen come to Test cricket who have arrived as finished article. It takes a little bit of time.
"A good day tomorrow is very important. We need to take those four wickets and then bat really well in the second knock," he said after his side trailed West Indies by 77 runs on Saturday.
The Australian great defended the exclusion of Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan from the playing eleven.
"We couldn't afford to play Harbhajan. We thought we needed three pace bowlers. There wasn't space for the second spinner and we thought Veeru could do the job if required. He indeed bowled well.
{{/usCountry}}"We couldn't afford to play Harbhajan. We thought we needed three pace bowlers. There wasn't space for the second spinner and we thought Veeru could do the job if required. He indeed bowled well.
{{/usCountry}}"As for Pathan, he understands why he is not playing. Probably the break would do him good. It wouldn't have been good for him to come out and bowl badly. It would have been a dent to his confidence."